food

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

promoted

Fall Philanthropy Report: March of Dimes’ ‘Signature Chefs’ Event Coming in November

Fall Philanthropy Report: March of Dimes’ ‘Signature Chefs’ Event Coming in November

What year was your organization launched? 1938

What is your mission? March of Dimes was founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, to combat polio. The name “March of Dimes” was suggested by entertainer Eddie Cantor as a way to encourage people to donate even a small amount, like a dime, to help fight polio.

Keep Reading Show less
parties

Flavors in Motion: Inside Houston Ballet’s Spring Soirée

Melissa Taylor

Houston Ballet dancers Danbi Kim, Estheysis Menendez, Gian Carlo Perez, and Chase O'Connell

IT WAS AN evening of style, flavor and celebration as guests filled Caracol for Houston Ballet’s signature spring event, Raising the Barre. Co-chaired by Duyen & Marc Nguyen and Dr. Tatiana Sorkin & Michel Coret, the dinner brought together 160 supporters and raised $110,000 for the Ballet’s performances, education programs and artistic initiatives.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties
parties

With Billowing Blooms and Evocative ‘Clowns,’ Williams’ Opera Ball Celebrates $2 Million Take

Nancy Gonzalez, Denise Reyes, Christina Jack, Destiny Fernandisse (photo by Emily Jaschke)

WHEN THE GRANDE dame of Houston philanthropy steps up to chair the annual gala for one of Houston’s most elite cultural institutions, expect high elegance to abound and big bucks to roll in.

Keep Reading Show less