This hidden gem has sushi, po-boys and ‘the best General Tso’s chicken on the Coast’

Le’s Place is one of those very special little places tucked away in a short strip mall.

I’ve driven by it countless times, but it was only recently that someone told me how good it was. It just goes to show you that a good restaurant doesn’t have to be in a flashy standalone building to be worth a visit.

First impression of Le’s Place is a clean is a clean well-lighted place, comfortable and small. Bamboo blinds, sparkling white tables and black chairs, give it a pleasant atmosphere. Its not shiny and over-produced, but just right for a family meal.

I don’t know how else to describe the menu, but it is a hoot! And I mean that in a complementary way. Sushi, General Tso’s chicken, po-boys and French fries? Yup, and somehow it works.

Le’s describes itself as being a sushi, Cantonese and pho restaurant.

The menu is laid out as most are. Appetizers, platters, sides, specials, po-boys and a few desserts and a separate page of sushi offerings. but what his place is know for is, in Le’s words, “the best General Tso’s chicken on the Coast.”

And it is good, but what an odd recipe it is. It is not of Chinese origins but seemingly the product of Chinese American restaurants trying to appeal to the American palate. Isn’t it fried chicken in a spicy Chinese style sauce? Its not generally served as fiery as you might find a similar dish in China, but spicy enough for most. Don’t get me wrong, I like it, and it is the best-selling item on the menu, so give it a try.

Other items you might find interesting on the menu are Jeff’s fried green tomatoes, shrimp in a blanket, and the Philly cheese steak, shrimp, fish or hamburger po-boys.

The sushi rolls at Le’s Place are good, but again I have to really get a kick out of the names and pairings. We have all heard of a California Roll, but what about an Off-Shore roll? It’s made with tuna, salmon, cream cheese, all deep fried and topped with spicy mayo. Sounds good to me!

I tried the Okinawa roll, and was delighted. It is a great combo of shrimp tempura, cucumber, avocado, tuna, crab, green onion and more spicy mayo. The list goes on and on with rolls named after Texas, Ocean Springs, rock and roll, Idaho and even a North Pole Roll.

I can’t help but think that Mr. Le has quite a sense of humor, and the names are fanciful and funny, but what really counts is that the food is just plain good.

I have some pretty strange food cravings sometimes, and the next time I think of Vietnamese pho and French fries, I know exactly where I am going. Give Le’s Place a try.

Le’s Place

Where: 1614 Bienville Blvd, Ocean Springs

When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m., to 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday, closed Sunday

Phone: 228-334-5770

This story was originally published September 18, 2020 at 5:50 AM.