Chef Leon Monsanto
Private Chef In SouthburyMy cooking style is inspired by my journey to who I am now. The Caribbean gave birth to my style of cooking. I traveled to New York and began my Professional Career. I studied at Monroe College, where I received an Associate in Culinary Arts and was hired at the college shortly after graduating. I worked and trained with great Chefs, who have extensive experience in the culinary field while developing my unique cuisine. I gain knowledge and cooking techniques from Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America while working at Monroe College. The ingredients, techniques, and cultural understanding I obtained during these years; allows me to create meals from various cuisine with a Caribbean twist. I enjoy working with ingredients that I can be proud of. My menus contain vegetables and protein that are locally sourced. My goal is always to bring passion to my food and service. Interacting with people is a passion and is incalculable. My job history as Culinary Director, Purchaser, and Professor provides me with the skill to share a plethora of knowledge.
More about me
For me, cooking is...
My passion and expression of me.
I learned to cook at...
I studied at Monroe College for Culinary Arts.
A cooking secret...
Layering. I work diligently to provide exquisite cuisine layered with flavor, texture and depth along with my history and knowledge.
My menus
Crispy Mac & Cheese “Pops”
Warm Brie and Cranberry “Popovers”
Pepper Seared Tenderloin of Beef with Horseradish Crème Fraiche, Crisp Garlic Toast and Chives
Kobe Sliders with American Cheese, Pickles and Ketchup
Petite Lobster Roll on a Butter Toasted New England Bun
Jumbo Shrimp Cocktail with Lemon and Roasted Pineapple Cocktail Sauce
Sesame Seared Ahi Tuna with a Japanese Seaweed Salad, Crisp Wontons and Wasabi Cream
Grape Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella “Ke-Bobs” with a Pesto Dipping Sauce
Diver Sea Scallops Wrapped in Hickory Smoked Bacon
Pastrami Rueben Egg Rolls with Brooklyn Pastrami, House Made Sauerkraut, Swiss and Dijon Mustard
Chicken, Wild Mushroom and Goat Cheese Purses with Crispy Filo and Fresh Basil
Chicken Slider with Spicy Slaw, Pepperjack Cheese, Pickled Jalapeno
Baby Green and Fig Salad Prosciutto d’ Parma, Gorgonzola, Honey Poached Figs, Toasted Pumpkin Seeds and a White Balsamic Vinaigrette
Hearts of Romaine; Gorgonzola, Sunflower Seed, Sun Dried Cranberries and Creamy Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette
Baby Spinach Salad; Applewood Smoked Bacon, Blue Cheese, Sliced Oranges and a Citrus Chia Vinaigrette
Baby Arugula Salad; Pancetta, Toasted Pine Nuts, Parmigiana Reggiano and Basil Vinaigrette
Grilled Cajun Spiced Salmon Jambalaya Rice and a Sweet Corn Relish
Teriyaki Chicken Soba Noodles, Asian Stir Fry Vegetables, Sesame and Scallions
Roast Long Island Duck Breast, Apples, Pecans, Cranberries, Butternut Squash and Clementine Jus
Seafood Paella Shrimp, Clams, Mussels and Scallops with Chorizo, White Wine and Flat Leaf Parsley Served with Saffron Rice Pilaf
Filet Mignon Golden Whipped Potatoes, Crisp Buttermilk Onions and a Merlot Demi
Grilled Shrimp; Wild Rice, Baby Arugula, Tomatoes, Capers, Crispy Croutons and Balsamic Glaze
Sesame Seared Tuna Steamed Rice, Napa Cabbage Slaw, Crispy Wontons and Miso Dressing
Poached Salmon served with Caviar Burre Blanc, Asparagus, Sweet Corn Risotto Cake
Thai Shrimp with Coconut Basmati Rice and Mango-Chili Salsa
Chicken Roulade filled with Escarole, Fontina and Parmigiano Reggiano, Orzo, Ratatouille, Roasted Cherry Tomato and Basil Emulsion
Banana Beignet - Banana Ebelskiver with Coconut Pastry Cream, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Flambe Pineapple, Pineapple Orange Sauce
Caramel Flan with Caramelized Short Bread Cracker and Poached Peaches
Selection of Chocolate Dipped Fruits Strawberries, Pineapple, Apples, and Banana with Toasted Coconut, Toasted Pumpkin Seed, Cookie Crumble
Cupcake Selection; Chocolate Cupcake with Chocolate Frosting, Vanilla Cupcakes with Vanilla Cupcake, Chocolate Cupcake with Vanilla Frosting, Vanilla Cupcakes with Chocolate Cupcake
Naked” Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting , Vanilla Ice Cream
Pumpkin Spice Creme Brulee, Candied Butternut Squash, Caramelized Apple, Ginger Snap Cookie
Chocolate Dipped Everything Platter: Strawberries, Pretzel Rods, Oreos, Marshmallows, Brownies, Cheesecake Pops, Graham Crackers, Rice Krispies Treats, Oreo Cookie
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Salmon Croquettes with Aioli and Crispy Capers
Crab Cake with Cucumber Jelly, Caper Remoulade and Baby Greens
Smoked Garlic Sausage {Celery Root Remoulade, Petite Salad}
Vegetable Terrine, Red Pepper Coulis and Baby Butter Green Salad Lightly Dressed in White Wine Vinaigrette
Niçoise Salad, Baby Arugula, Red Bliss Potatoes, Haricot Vert, Hard Cooked Egg, Tomatoes, Olives and Citrus Vinaigrette
Goat Cheese Salad - Baby Mixed Greens, Toasted Walnuts, Poached Apples, Marinated Beets and Red Wine Vinaigrette
Sea and Perrie - Crispy Breaded Cod served with Carrot Emulsion and Savory Profiteroles filled with White Wine Mustard Braised Rabbit
Surf and Turf - Braised Oxtail Ravioli and Crispy Red Snapper served with Sauteed Winter Greens, Roasted Vegetable and an Orange Rosemary Beurre Blanc
Field and Stream - Smoked Duck filled Crepes, Baked Salmon with Herb Crust, Wilted Autumn Greens with Garlic Butter
River and Plains - Marinated Flank Steak and Seared Salmon with Potato Gratin and French Beans
Crème Brulee - Berry Compote and Pumpkin Seed Brittle
Caramel Flan with Caramelized Short Bread Cracker and Poached Peaches
Mini Tarte Tatin served with French Vanilla Ice
Financiers with Frangelico Sauce, Candied Almonds and Fresh Berries
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Baby Arugula Salad Pancetta, Toasted Pine Nuts, Parmigiana Reggiano and Basil Vinaigrette
Beet Carpaccio with Burrata, EVOO, Black Sea Salt, Baby Arugula, Granulated Pistachio and Capers
Caesar Salad - Romaine and Arugula a Creamy Parmesan Dressing and Gluten Free Garlic Crostini
Vine-Ripe Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella, Baby Organic Greens, Balsamic Reduction, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Fresh Basil
Cast Iron Roast Chicken Breast with Chardonnay-Mustard Sauce with Green Beans and Shallot Butter
Poached Mussels in a rich White Wine and Tomato Sauce
Butternut Squash Ravioli with Baby Spinach, Caramelized Apples and Sage Veloute
Chicken Saltimbocca, Prosciutto, Sage, Mozzarella, Lemon, White Wine, EVOO on a bed of Wilted Spinach
Grilled Hangar Steak, Truffle-Parmesan Whipped Potato and Red Wine Sauce with Caramelized Onion
Pan Seared Salmon with Rice Pilaf and Roasted Cherry Tomato, Baby Bell Pepper, Soubise Cream Sauce
Coconut Panna Cotta with Cinnamon, Flambe Pineapple, Coconut Crumble
Fresh Tropical Fruit Skewer,, Pineapple, Melon, Berries and Yogurt
Chocolate Torte with Roasted Strawberry and Chantilly Cream
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New Orleans Muffuletta Mortadella, Soppresata, Provolone, Aged Cheddar Served with Cornichons, Mixed Olives and Red Bell Pepper Salad, Homemade Spicy Whole Grain Mustard, Lemon Peach Scallion Chutney and Fresh Baguette
Citrus Salad - Arugula, Spinach, Romaine, Toasted Pistachio, Pomegrante Seed, Grapefruit Supreme and Citrus Vinaigrette
BBQ Shrimp - Pan Seared Shrimp simmered in a Lemon Pepper Butter Sauce
Charred Oyster - Smoked Oysters topped with Breadcrumbs, Herbs, Lemon Zest and Butter
Blackened Scallop - Pan Seared Scallop, Served with Oven Roasted Tomatoes Passata, Garlic and Holy Trinity
A Tasting of Cajun - Cajun Spiced Filet, Fish and Grits Cake, Etouffee Sauce with, Hot and Sweet Peppers, Buttered Celery, Cabbage and Onions
Cajun Chicken Alfredo, Braised Chicken in a Rich Creamy Sauce tossed with Penne Pasta and Sundried Tomato, Roasted Bell Pepper pasta
Chicken Gumbo - Braised Chicken, Chicken Andouille Sausage, Spiced Turkey, Holy Trinity, Okra served over Steamed White Rice
Creole Marinated Pork Chop - Long-grain Rice and Vegetables showered in a vibrant spice combination and simmer in Jambalaya Broth
Banana Bread Puddin' - Non Churn Whipped Rum Raisin Ice Cream, Banana Foster
Chocolate Voodoo Torte - Chocolate Voodoo Torte with Candied Pecans Raspberry Sauce & Bourbon Caramel
Crunch Cake - Louisiana Crunch Cake with Lemon Glaze and Toasted Coconut served with Orange Foster Syrup
Beignet - Doughnut with Coconut Pastry Cream, Cinnamon Swirl Ice Cream, Flambe Pineapple, Pineapple Orange Sauce
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Salmon Croquettes with Red Pepper Aioli and Crispy Capers
Salmon Mousse and Endive Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Fricassée Mushrooms, Mushroom Duxelle, Mousseline Sauce and Savory Puff Pastry
Brandade de Morue with Crusty Bread
Celeriac Remoulade and Chèvre Tarts with Shredded Romaine, and Raspberry Vinaigrette
Salade de Betteraves aux Noix, - Baby Greens, Roasted Beets, Toasted Walnut and Red Wine Vinaigrette
Salade Lyonnaise - Country Croutons, White Wine Vinaigrette, Bacon Lardon, Endive, Poached Egg,
Crispy Roast Salmon with Grain Mustard Butter with Rosemary Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Pan Seared Filet of Cod with Lemon, Brown Butter, Capers with Lyonnaise Potatoes and Sauteed Baby Green
Cast Iron Roast Chicken with Chardonnay-Mustard Sauce with Boursin Potatoes and Green Beans and Shallot Butter
Chicken Fricassee, Braised Chicken and Potatoes Anna with Provencal Summer Tian
Bouillabaisse, Fish Braised with Cod, Mussel, Clams and Shrimp served Dauphine Potatoes and Rouille
Decadent Chocolate Torte with Chocolate Mousse Filling, Chocolate Buttercream and a Fresh Berry Compote Salad
Cherry Clafouti with Vanilla Ice Cream and Kirsch Mousse
Lemon-Lime Mousse and Breton Shortbread with Chocolate Anglaise, Raspberry Gel
Citrus Fire and Ice - Chocolate Crepe Suzette, Lemon Caramel, Burleed Orange, Grapefruit Sorbet
French Filled Doughnut, Round Pate Choux (Paris-Brest) filled with Chocolate Diplomat Cream and Fresh Berries
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—TRE BRUSCHETTA— MUSHROOM and TOMATO JAM, SAGE AND TRUFFLE OIL WHITE BEAN AND ROASTED GARLIC CONFIT, OLIVE AND FIG TAPENADE
—Antipasto— Hot and Sweet Soppresata, Dried Sausage, Genoa Salami, Pepperoni, Marinated Olives, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Roasted Peppers, Lemon-Basil Artichokes, Provolone and Fresh Mozzarella
Shrimp with Orzo and Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Tomato with Seared Lemon Wedge
Penne a la Vodka with Pancetta Lardon, Fresh Tomato Passata, Fresh Cream and Parmesan
Caesar Salad Romaine and Arugula with Garlic Parmesan Croutons and a Creamy Parmesan Dressing
Grilled Hangar Steak, Truffle-Parmesan Whipped Potato and Chianti Demi with Crispy Onion
Beef Tenderloin, Carving Station - Creamy Golden Potato with Parmesan and Scallions, Steakhouse Spinach Croquette and Roasted Garlic Jus
Chicken Saltimbocca (no flour) with Prosciutto, Sage, Fresh Sage, Lemon, White Wine, Extra Virgin Olive Oil on a Bed of Wilted Spinach
Eggplant Rollatini - Creamy Polenta with Parmesan, Steakhouse Spinach and Roasted Garlic Jus
Mustard Crusted Pork Mignon with Potatoes Gnocchi and Vegetables served with Apple Cider Gastrique Demi and Pickled Sweet Onion
Decadent Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Mousse Filling, Chocolate Buttercream and a Fresh Berry Compote Salad
Moist Vanilla Cake with Vanilla Mascarpone Mousse Filling, Vanilla Buttercream and a Fresh Berry Compote Salad
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Caponata - Fried and Stewed Eggplant with sweet and sour flavors including Pine nuts and Raisins served with Toasted Italian Bread
Burrata Platter Creamy Burrata on a Bed of Baby Arugula, Multi-Colored Tomatoes, Grilled Asparagus and Sun-Dried Tomatoes with Balsamic Vinaigrette, and Ciabatta Bread
Orzo Salad with Basil-Walnut Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomatoes Fresh Shrimp - cured with Black seasalt and Lemon, serves with Beetroot Sorbet and crispy amaranth
Mozzarella Filled Arancina- Saffron Infused Risotto, Covering Velveety Mozzarella, Rolled in Herb Bread Crumbs
Sautéed Squid, Whipped Sweet Potatoes, Apple Chutney and a Rosemary Rouge
Salmon Oreganato, Baby Arugula, Roma Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella Pearls and Balsamic Vinaigrette
Potato Zeppole served with Dried Figs and Apple Blossoms Honey and Lemon Granita
Strawberry and Fresh Ricotta Tart served with Lemon Marmalade, Toasted Pine Nut and Vanilla Whipped Cream
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Miso Soup - Tufo, Clear broth with Strong Miso Flavor, Vegetable and Chili Oil
Tempura - Shrimp, Sweet Potato, Green Beans fried in Tempura and served with Teriyaki Sauce
Seared Tuna, Lightly Pickled Cumcumber, Seaweed Salad, Sesame Seed
Japanese Curry - Thick, Rice, Luxurious Curry, with Braised Vegetable, Serve with Steamed Jasmine Ruce with Coriander and Lime
Traditional and Contemporary Sushi Sushi and Sashimi Wasabi, Pickled Ginger
Strawberry Sorbet, Green Tea Sorbet, Red Bean Sorbet, Fried Crispy Rice
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