Upon entering Le Jardinière, a gem in Houston’s culinary scene nestled within the Museum of Fine Arts, you are instantly transported to the realm of exceptional dining. This contemporary French establishment, aptly translated to “The Garden,” is the third in its lineage, following its Manhattan and Miami predecessors.
It exudes an air of refined elegance, with a posh ambiance adorned with plush seating and frequented by the city’s affluent and artsy crowd, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
Houston’s Le Jardinière boasts the culinary prowess of Chef de Cuisine Felipe Botero Sanchez, a Bogota, Colombia native who honed his skills at the Michelin-starred Manhattan location. Our evening began with a leisurely stroll through the museum’s stunning sculpture garden, a prelude to the sensory delights awaiting us inside.
The journey started with a cocktail aptly named Haute Girl Summer, a delightful concoction of Citrus Vodka, Lemon, Cranberry Grenadine, Ginger, and Lavender. This refreshing drink perfectly sets the tone for the meal as it is reminiscent of a walk through a garden on a hot summer day.
The bread service was a highlight, with the Asiago bread paired with olive oil standing out as a particular favorite. The amuse-bouche, a juice blend of carrot, strawberry, orange, and ginger, offered a refreshing and invigorating beginning, perfect for a hot Houston day, though it lacked the excitement typically expected of such a palate teaser.
The first course, the Foie Gras Torchon was accompanied by onion compote and black plums and served with sourdough bread. While I found the black plums bitter, the foie gras was buttery perfection, pairing beautifully with the sourdough and onion compote. We also tried the Scallop Crudo with calamansi vinaigrette, heirloom radishes and beets. This dish was a symphony of fresh, light flavors that left a lasting impression.
For the main course, I opted for the Pork Belly which was served with turnip noodles. The pork belly was a revelation, bursting with rich, decadent flavors. The turnip noodles, however, were disappointing as their tough texture detracted from the overall dish.
We also sampled two grain dishes. The Carolina Gold Rice Risotto, with roasted red pepper, maitake mushrooms, and mimolette cheese, was a creamy, lemony masterpiece. The Parisian Gnocchi with black pepper, lardons, and wild mushrooms were light and fluffy, though perhaps not as thrilling as I had hoped. As a fan of French gnocchi, my expectations were high, and while they were good, they didn’t quite reach the pinnacle of excitement.
Dessert was the Butterfly Yuzu Mousse with raspberry compote and pistachio sablé, a delicate and flavorful ending to our meal. The bright citrus notes and the exquisite presentation were a testament to the restaurant’s attention to detail.
Service at Le Jardinière was impeccable, matching the high standards one would expect from such an establishment. If ever the Michelin Guide graces Houston with its presence, Le Jardinière will surely be at the forefront, vying for that coveted star. In the meantime, it is a shining example of culinary excellence, inviting us to continue indulging in its garden of delights.
The Queen's Critique 