The Chef & the Frog — Restaurant in Whiteville

I had my wedding reception here. I wasn’t going to post about the experience at all but I believe in honesty . My wife and I wanted a place between our 2 families to celebrate we our occasion and we did the research on this place. We came from 2hrs away to sit down with the co-worker just to see the vibes of the place. A week before our event, we settled on our menu and provided the restaurant co-owner with our 60 person headcount and who is getting what. The atmosphere was wonderful the tables were decorated nicely when we came in so we were happy. Our event started at 6pm, appetizers came at 6:30 the shrimp and chips were amazing!! I’m a Culinary specialist myself, so I notice small things people intake of food, their faces, how long a glass stays empty, etc.. To cut to the chase, first incident I saw were drink glasses was empty 10 minutes plus, I had to tell the waitress to fill the cups up. We didn’t get our main entree until 7:30-7:45, the salmon was completely cold. Again I’m a Culinary man myself, I tasted the entree from a family member’s plate, salmon had no heat or taste. I told the waitress immediately to stop serving the salmon because it’s cold, the other waiter immediately got upset when I told them not to serve the cold salmon. I looked for the co-worker he was on the other side and he stated “we are super busy.” I wish I was lying, but they took the salmon to the kitchen and heated it and serve the same salmon to my guest. I immediately started complaining to the owner how this violate so many food violations not to say covid violations. The salmon and steak had no seasoning at all, I talked to the co-owner and he repeatedly said we are short staffed. Our guest initiatively were charged $60 per plate which my wife and I collected before the event so we can pay collectively. When I say by far the worst experience, I was fussing with the when all this was happening. It was 8:15 our chicken entree or steak entrees didn’t come out yet, I went to talk to the co-owner again and he wanted to talk about our president and what I think about the future of our country. My parents was upset to the point my mom was refilling my parties drinks, my day was in the kitchen pushing out orders when they hit the bar in the kitchen, and my 3 friends bringing the plates out to our party. My best friend got his plate at 9:16. Our original menu was different from what was served some people got steak, mashed potatoes, and veggies other were served steak and fries. I confronted the owner during this time once it were brought to my attention by some of my guest and told him no way I pay $2,976 for this event ($15 for kids, $60 for adult). After the event finalized and things in the restaurant slowed down, my mom and dad talked to the co-owner about pay he still wanted $2,700 for this event, my mother refused an said $2,500 take it or leave it because we did...

My husband and I dined here this past Friday (16 August 2024). It's an hour away from where we live in Leland. One couple joined us for the evening and it was a first visit for all of us. Another friend of ours had recommended this place a few months back, as well as my husband’s doctor (on a recent visit) who works in Whiteville.

The interior provides a casual atmosphere with black table clothes and chairs, street lamps, and potted plants around the room. The tables are nicely set apart. While this place is casual – no need to dress up – the food and service is excellent.

Kimberly was our waitress, who was attentive and patient while we went through the menu trying to decide what to order. So many good choices! The menu is a mix of French and Asian foods. Both couples ordered the Cambodian eggrolls and fiery sweet Thai shrimp appetizers. In addition, one friend ordered the onion soup (bowl).

While waiting for our appetizers, Chef Sokun came to our table and talked with us for a few minutes. She also wanted to make sure we knew how to eat the Cambodian eggrolls, as well as welcoming us. Yes, my husband and I knew how: take a lettuce leaf, place the roll, mint, peanuts and dipping sauce on top, roll it up and eat. My husband and I have a favorite restaurant in Hawaii that serves the eggrolls in the same manner. The four rolls were filled with minced chicken and other fresh ingredients; the wrappers were thin and crispy.

The Thai shrimp was a large portion, about 8-9 shrimp. They were breaded and fried, and topped with a delicious sauce. Both appetizers were excellent. Such wonderful flavors. We could have shared the appetizers but we wanted our own.

For my entrée (and one friend), I had the Beef Bourguignon, which is served with rice. I asked to have roasted potatoes in lieu of the rice. The meat was tender, no knife is needed. The vegetables were nicely cooked in the herb and wine sauce. My husband (and our other friend) had the Cambodian beef, served with jasmine rice. Another excellent dish. The food is outstanding (they use locally sourced, fresh ingredients) and reasonable prices for what you get.

Fresh baked bread and butter was served at the table.

There is a full bar and a nice long list of wines. I had the “not so classic cosmo” that was very tasty and went down easily. With my entrée, I had a glass of the Cotes due Rhone.

The ‘Frog’ is Guillaume, Chef Sokun’s husband, owner of the place. He came to the table a couple of times. On the second time after we finished our meal, we invited him to sit with us, so we all talked for a while. He was very personable and we enjoyed talking to him.

I wish they were closer to where we live. We’ll have to go back and spend an afternoon in town before having dinner there again (or maybe brunch!). There are other dishes that I want to try.

So glad...

The dinner - OMG - amazing! I cannot tell you how every flavor was front and center and the presentation - amazing! We’ve not had a dinner like this since we left California years ago...and it’s pseudo in our backyard (hour away)! Guillaume and Chef Sokun are the absolute best duo! Guillaume was amazing and greeted us like he’s known us forever - for both dinner and Sunday brunch (we’ve only been a couple of times..trust me, we’ll be back again and again).

We had the pleasure of meeting Chef Sokun at the end… we overstayed our welcome (past closing hours) enjoying the food, dessert and wine list...but bonus, met the Chef! Chef is absolutely stunning, fit and passionate about food - and committed to local farms - love it! The flavors she pulls from all over the world - and how she studies is so unique. She lives in the country to learn the flavor and trade of the food… hands on experience and delivering the true meaning of the country’s dish!

Dinner - we started with the Fried Calamari and Tuna Tartare (YUM)! Husband had the shrimp and grits (5 star), I had the gnocchi (delicious - 5 star). Had the brother in-law and sister in-law with us - they LOVED their dishes too. Though I think my husband and his twin brother had the same thing (no surprise). We were stuffed but shared 3 desserts - all made by the chef and AMAZING! Wine list…. OMG…. just talk to Guillaume about what you like and he’ll pick the best for you.

Brunch - came back with our kids and their significant others + the in-laws again. It was good. The mango and pineapple mimosas were especially enjoyed. I also had the bloody mary which was good enough (although could use more texture with celery, other spices, etc). The croissants are made by the chef - one serving was amazing the other was cold in the middle. In-laws had the chocolate croissants and ate both and said it was delicious! For the main, I had the Florentine Benedict - was good, but I have a super favorite in Northern California which I don't think anyone can beat (Los Gatos Cafe). Husband had the Mediterranean omelet with fish. We shared the French Toast which I think we all agree at the table was the best meal.

Will for SURE be back for dinner! Just wished we had a Lyft to drive us to and fro as we LOVE their wine list and indulge on their...