Six important restaurants and bars in San Antonio were acknowledged on Wednesday as potential winners in the highly regarded James Beard Awards for food and drinks.
In recent years, San Antonio has seen its chefs and dining spots gain national attention, earning mentions in top food publications like Bon Appétit and securing victories in competitions like Chopped.
Local chefs, including Chef John Russ, have not only carved out a niche for themselves but also elevated the city’s culinary reputation. Chef John Russ, along with his wife Elise, owns the well-known eatery Clementine, and in 2023, he proudly stands as a James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef.
The Russ family made their mark in San Antonio since their arrival in 2012. John served as the executive chef at the now-closed Lüke, while Elise showcased her pastry skills at Biga on the Banks.
Their culinary journey continued as they founded a restaurant group in 2016, culminating in the opening of Clementine in 2018. Since then, Clementine has consistently ranked among San Antonio’s most beloved dining establishments.
Clementine: San Antonio’s Sole Finalist for the 2023 James Beard Award
With the recent acclaim from the James Beard Foundation, we felt compelled to experience Clementine firsthand and assess if it truly lives up to the buzz. In a nutshell: it absolutely does. The recognition is well-deserved, making Clementine a must-visit spot in San Antonio’s vibrant culinary landscape.
Location
Clementine finds its place in the vibrant Castle Hills area of northwest San Antonio, strategically situated at the crossroads of West Ave. and NW Military Hwy. Nestled at the end of a strip mall that neighbors private residences, this NY-style neighborhood bistro brings a unique charm to the local culinary scene.
Parking
Clementine benefits from its spot in a strip mall, ensuring ample free parking available in the lots on both sides of West Ave. This convenient perk makes it hassle-free for visitors to enjoy a delightful dining experience without worrying about parking constraints.
Exterior
Clementine benefits from its spot in a strip mall, ensuring ample free parking available in the lots on both sides of West Ave. This convenient perk makes it hassle-free for visitors to enjoy a delightful dining experience without worrying about parking constraints
Interior
The indoor dining area at Clementine is predominantly adorned in soothing blue hues, featuring whimsical fruit posters showcasing—you guessed it—clementines on the walls. Along the inside of the restaurant, a notable wine list is proudly displayed, with wine racks gracefully snaking along the wall.
Indoor diners are treated to a captivating view of the bustling open kitchen, where Clementine’s chefs skillfully craft their culinary delights. The overall aesthetic exudes a touch of class, albeit with a charming simplicity.
Service
Clementine’s service aligns with the expectations of an upscale eatery – it’s prompt, friendly, knowledgeable, and readily accessible. The servers we encountered were well-versed in the menu and food options, attentively considering our preferences and providing well-informed recommendations. Their responsiveness to requests and refills was commendable.
What truly set the servers apart was the evident pride they took in their roles at the restaurant. It was apparent that they not only enjoy their jobs but also believe wholeheartedly in what Clementine strives to achieve. The atmosphere of San Antonio felt as though the restaurant was staffed by a group of enthusiastic foodies, driven by a genuine desire for everyone to savor the cuisine they’ve come to love.
Recognizing that food is best enjoyed in good company, the waitstaff at Clementine eagerly contributes to the overall enjoyment of the dining experience.
Food
If there’s a single reason why Clementine clinched a spot as a James Beard Award finalist, it unequivocally lies in the exceptional food. Chefs John and Elise Russ have curated a menu that stands as a genuine celebration of flavors and culinary expertise.
Their approach avoids the common pitfalls of either sticking to overly traditional new American dishes or veering into the realm of overly avant-garde creations that might not appeal to the average diner. Clementine’s menu, while inventive and original, remains utterly delectable—**food** you not only want to eat but thoroughly enjoy.
The menu at Clementine presents a diverse array of choices, including petites (hors d’oeuvre), sideboards (serving as main course sides or appetizers), platters (offering hearty entrees), and “the best parts” (clearly desserts). We sampled dishes from each section, with a particular focus on the platters.
Every dish exhibited consistency and an explosion of flavors. Standouts for us were undeniably the African yams, featuring a delightful blend of black garlic, pastrami spice, sunflower seeds, and harissa, and the Alaskan halibut, cooked to a sublime, buttery tenderness—truly an unreal culinary perfection.
For the more daring (or trusting) diners in San Antonio, Clementine introduces another exciting option called Feed Me. Opting for this experience involves a cost of $81 per person, where the chef and the team craft a dynamic, multi-course meal on the spot. It’s tailored based on individual preferences and what’s available and in season. If you revel in surprises or simply want to entrust your evening entirely to the culinary pros, Feed Me presents a fun and unique way to dine.
Overall
Clementine’s culinary creations are an absolute showstopper. The plating is not just meticulous but also visually appealing, while the range of flavors offers a dynamic and fresh experience. The portion sizes are perfectly balanced, leaving you delightfully satisfied.
While the restaurant might not boast the grandest ambience or the most picturesque location, it more than compensates with its outstanding food.
As we anticipate the announcement of the James Beard Award winners on June 5, 2023, it’s hard to argue that Clementine wouldn’t be a deserving victor. If their name is called among the winners, it would be a testament to the excellence they bring to the culinary table.
FAQs
What does it mean to be nominated for a James Beard Award?
Being nominated for a James Beard Award is a prestigious recognition in the culinary world. It signifies that an individual or establishment has demonstrated exceptional skill, creativity, and excellence in the culinary arts. Nominations are made by a diverse panel of industry professionals, including chefs, restaurateurs, journalists, and food experts. It is a testament to the nominee’s outstanding contributions to the culinary field.
How is the James Beard Award decided?
The James Beard Award winners are determined through a multistep process. First, individuals and establishments are nominated by a committee of industry professionals. After the nominations are announced, a larger voting body, consisting of past James Beard Award winners, food critics, chefs, and other experts, casts their votes to select the winners. The votes are tabulated, and the nominee with the most votes in each category is awarded the James Beard Award.
Read Also: Review of Thompson San Antonio
Who has won the most James Beard Awards?
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, the individual with the most James Beard Awards is Chef Wolfgang Puck, a renowned culinary figure. Puck has received numerous awards throughout his career, spanning various categories. However, it’s essential to check the latest information, as the number of awards and recipients may have changed since then.
Who has won the James Beard Award for Madison?
The James Beard Award winners for specific locations, such as Madison, can vary from year to year. It’s recommended to check the official James Beard Foundation website or other reliable sources for the most up-to-date information on award winners in a particular region. The website typically provides a comprehensive list of past winners, including details about the chefs, restaurants, and other honorees.
Conclusion
In summary, Clementine emerges as San Antonio’s solitary James Beard Award finalist for 2024, and it undeniably lives up to the acclaim. From its strategic location in the vibrant Castle Hills area to the charming simplicity of its interior, the restaurant offers a delightful dining experience.
The attentive service, evident pride of the staff, and the overall inviting atmosphere contribute to making Clementine a standout destination.
What truly sets Clementine apart is its exceptional food—a genuine celebration of flavors and culinary expertise. The diverse menu, featuring standout dishes like African yams and Alaskan halibut, showcases the chef’s ability to strike a balance between innovation and delectability. With the option of “Feed Me” for the adventurous diners, Clementine goes beyond expectations, providing a unique and enjoyable dining experience.
As we await the James Beard Award winners’ announcement on June 5, 2023, it’s evident that if Clementine secures a victory, it would be a well-deserved acknowledgment of the culinary excellence they consistently bring to the table.
I’m Matthew Porter, the creative mind behind “San Antonio Vista.” I’ve been having a blast discovering all the cool things this city has to offer. At San Antonio Vista, we’re all about turning your trip into a vibrant, eye-catching adventure. Let’s make your time in San Antonio unforgettable—join me in the excitement at San Antonio Vista!
