From plate to projection, guests can witness the world’s smallest chef come to life in a one-of-a-kind dinner experience
Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton (7730 Bonhomme Ave, St. Louis, Mo 63105), the 268-room hotel in the heart of downtown Clayton, is set to debut the globally celebrated immersive dining experience Le Petit Chef beginning Thursday, March 12, 2026, bringing the world’s smallest chef to Café la Vie’s Private Dining Room. By pairing high-quality cuisine with cinematic storytelling and visual spectacle, Le Petit Chef fills a unique niche in St. Louis’ dining landscape, offering an experience that is immersive for all ages.
Available Tuesday through Saturday, the multi-course experience transforms dinner into a fully choreographed event, led by a Master of Ceremonies who guides guests through the evening. Guests can choose from four thoughtfully curated menu options, including Le Grand Chef, Le Petit Chef Classic, Le Petit Chef Vegetarian, and a Junior Chef menu for younger diners. Reservations for Le Petit Chef can be made here.
“Le Petit Chef perfectly embodies Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton’s commitment to immersive travel and meaningful guest experiences,” said Matt Korsos, General Manager of Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton. “By blending innovative technology with thoughtfully crafted cuisine, we’re offering guests something truly unexpected. As St. Louis continues to evolve as a dining and cultural destination, we’re excited to bring this globally celebrated experience to our community and give both locals and travelers a new reason to gather at Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton.”
Menu Options
Le Grand Chef | $149.00 per person + tax and service charge
First Appetizer: Bouillabaisse | Calamari, PEI Mussels, Jumbo Tiger Prawn, Bay Scallop, Fennel, Saffron-Tomato Broth
Second Appetizer: Burrata | Arugula, Radish, Heirloom Tomato, Balsamic, Caviar
First Main Course: Lobster Thermidor | ½ Maine Lobster, Wood Mushroom, Gruyere, Pan Gratto, Dressed Oysters
Second Main Course: Grilled Japanese Ribeye | Pommes Fondant, Broccolini, Carrot, Black Truffle Sauce
Dessert: Vanilla Gelato | Berry, Chantilly Cream, Chocolate, Pistachio, Macaron
Le Petit Chef Classic | $125.00 per person + tax and service charge
First Appetizer: Bouillabaisse | Calamari, PEI Mussels, Gulf Shrimp, Bay Scallop, Fennel, Saffron-Tomato Broth
Second Appetizer: Fresh Mozzarella | Arugula, Radish, Heirloom Tomato, Balsamic
First Main Course: Lobster Thermidor | ½ Maine Lobster, Mushroom, Gruyere, Pan Gratto
Second Main Course: Grilled Sirloin Beef | Pommes Fondant, Broccolini, Carrot, Port Wine Demi-Glace
Dessert: Vanilla Gelato | Berry, Chantilly Cream, Chocolate, Pistachio
Le Petit Chef: Vegetarian | $110 per person + tax and service charge
First Appetizer: Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Bisque | Sweet Potato Croquette, Toasted Pine Nut, Gremolata
Second Appetizer: Burrata | Arugula, Radish, Heirloom Tomato, Balsamic
First Main Course: Stuffed Squash | Wild Rice, Cauliflower, Spinach, Tomato, Mushroom, Gruyere, Pan Gratto
Second Main Course: Marinated and Grilled Mushroom | Potato Fondant, Broccolini, Carrot, Chimichurri
Dessert: Vanilla Gelato | Berry, Chantilly Cream, Chocolate, Pistachio, Macaron
Junior Chef | $49.00 per person + tax and service charge
First Appetizer: Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Crouton
Second Appetizer: Mozzarella | Arugula, Radish, Heirloom Tomato, Balsamic
First Main Course: Fish Sticks | Macaroni and Cheese, Smiley Face Potatoes
Second Main Course: Grilled Sirloin Beef | Pommes Fondant, Broccolini, Carrot, Port Wine Demi-Glace
Dessert: Chocolate Soufflé with Vanilla Ice Cream
About Le Petit Chef
Le Petit Chef, the world’s smallest chef standing just six centimeters tall, brings an immersive dining experience to life through cutting-edge 3D projection mapping and a multi-course menu designed to delight all the senses. Created by acclaimed Belgian artist collective Skullmapping, the concept blends cinema, technology, and gastronomy into an unforgettable evening. Through advanced projection mapping technology, precise optical techniques, and visual distortions, the illusion of a three-dimensional character interacting directly with the table and plate is created, appearing fully alive when viewed from the proper angle.
During the experience, guests enjoy a seamless combination of 3D theater and fine dining. Before and after each course, the tiny chef appears to prepare the dish. At the end of each animated sequence, the projection reveals the completed dish on the plate, which is then served by the restaurant’s kitchen team. While Le Petit Chef doesn’t actually cook, he is passionately supported by the culinary professionals behind the scenes, ensuring guests enjoy a full five-course menu and leave fully satisfied.
Since launching in 2015, Le Petit Chef has become a global sensation, now appearing at more than 35 locations worldwide, including Osaka, Bangkok, Singapore, Rome, Warsaw, Toronto, Vancouver, Vienna, and beyond. Each location is carefully selected based on technical requirements, visitor volume, and—most importantly—a creative, collaborative kitchen and service team that can adapt dishes to complement the show.
About Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton: Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton is a hotel destination for creative and culturally-minded travelers and locals alike in downtown Clayton, Missouri, just outside of St. Louis. Located on Bonhomme Avenue just west of Hanley Road (7730 Bonhomme Ave, St. Louis, MO 63105), the 268-room hotel opens October 1, 2020 after a multi-million dollar, full-scale transformation. With a new open-air pool on the 3rd floor roof deck, state-of-the-art fitness center with panoramic views of downtown St. Louis and 17,000 square feet of event space, Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton will blend St. Louis’ rich European heritage with a chic, sophisticated design. The hotel reopens with an entirely new restaurant, cocktail bar and coffee bar–Café la Vie. The design features over 50 works of art, including several by local St. Louis artists. Global design firm HOK led the overall design of Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton and brings an original, refined and forward-looking style to the property. Denver-based Silverwest Hotels purchased the property in 2018, and Coury Properties manages Le Meridien St. Louis Clayton. For more information, visit www.lemeridienclayton.com.