Spring Over So Soon? Not at Le Jardinier, Where Seasonal Produce Is Still the Star Ingredient

Spring Over So Soon? Not at Le Jardinier, Where Seasonal Produce Is Still the Star Ingredient

Spring Expression

WHILE SPRING CAN seem fleeting in Houston, chef de cuisine Felipe Botero at Le Jardinier inside the MFAH is making the most of the season’s freshest ingredients. French for “the gardener,” Le Jardinier is helping to extend Springtime sensations, even if it’s just through the extra-fresh ingredients Botero has used to craft the seasonal menu.


Living up to its name, the spring menu is heavy on produce, highlighting radishes, peas, alliums, fava beans and artichokes. Light and refreshing, the French white asparagus is beautifully plated and served with puff rice for a crunch.

Veggies also star in the scallop crudo, which is served with radishes and beets — oh, and a heaping pile of royal kaluga caviar! The slices of the tea-spiced duck breasts are paired with equally hearty servings of turnips. Don’t miss the pandan cotta for dessert; it’s flavored like carrot cake and served with pecan ice cream, and a little slice of fresh carrot for good measure.

For the sake enthusiasts, Richard Geoffroy, the former winemaker for Dom Pérignon, has started his own sake brand, IWA Sake. Geoffroy hosts two dinners at Le Jardinier this weekend. He’s calling it the “wine-lovers” sake, and is partnering with chef Botero for a five-course dinner that promises chilled lobster and blue crab risotto. Tickets are available via Resy.

Chef de cuisine Felipe Botero

Spring lunch

Author, Survivor and Game-Changing Doc Goldner Encourages You to Lean Into Your ‘Origin Story'
How did you get to where you are today? I was diagnosed with lupus at 16. I was already in stage 4 kidney failure by the time the doctors realized what was wrong. It took two years of high doses of medication including chemotherapy to save my kidneys and my life. I became fascinated with the human body, which led to my decision to become a physician.
Keep Reading Show less

THROUGHOUT ALL THREE floors of the stunning Glassell building on the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston campus, beginning Aug. 10, visitors will find colorful, thought-provoking works by one of the school's own: The first in a series of exhibits showcasing art by Glassell faculty members, Chaotic Nodes is a collection of paintings by instructor Arielle Masson.

Keep Reading Show less

MAKE THE MOST of every delicious bite this summer with the benefits of steam cooking. Whether you’re reviving leftovers from Houston’s hottest foodie hangout or hosting memorable gatherings at home, integrating steam into your cooking repertoire can take your food to the next level.

Keep Reading Show less