Leyla's Bio

Leyla Arsan started her career in advertising at DDB Chicago and has worked in varying capacities for clients large and small. After obtaining her MA in Arts Management, she spent some time at Accenture in global events. Leyla then moved onto manage the events for Sushi Samba in River North. While in school, Leyla worked for Blackbird and later Charlie Trotter's. Her love of food and wine is only second to her love for travel but Leyla believes that the three make a great ménage a trois. In 2009, Leyla started Lotus Marketing Services, a full-service brand messaging agency that focuses on non-traditional channels including: event marketing, web marketing and social media. Leyla manages two blogs, she is a social media nut and enjoys a Knob Creek Manhattan on occasion.   

Leyla's Questionnaire

Q: Best new restaurant in 2009.

A: Fred's--love the location and the ambiance. Food and service is up there too. So far, one of my favorites of 2009. The Publican is also a newcomer favorite.

Q: What would be your ideal last supper?

A: Dinner at Avec with great friends, music selected by the "rogue" chefs, wine and spirits, a visit to our communcal table by some fancy acquaintances and conversation worthy of an 18th century Paris salon. Starting with a glass of sparkling rose and finishing with a large cheese course and the espresso & cognac pairing.

Q: You know you're a foodie when...

A: When you know that "sweetbreads" are the gland of an animal and not a tasty bread-like pudding. When you can eat fried fish balls on the streets of Hong Kong with the same pleasure as you do a 20+ course dinner at Alinea. When you start to pay attention to the details--not just of the food but the restaurant in general. How the table is set, the type of stemwear used, what the art on the walls look like and whether or not there is a proper coat check.

Q: What is your guilty pleasure?

A: The liver of a force-fed duck, more commonly known as Foie Gras, with a glass of Sauternes.

Q: What will the next food trend be?

A: I'm not big on "trends" in terms of food. In Chicago, we'll always be meat eaters but I think we will continue to see "small plates" and chefs who support local farms.