Clementine’s John Russ blends Southern roots with global flavors in San Antonio

Clementine in San Antonio is spotlighting chef John Russ as he reshapes Southern cooking with international influences, seasonal menus and an immersive tasting format. The restaurant’s approach underscores how local dining scenes are evolving through global technique, neighborhood hospitality and chef-driven experiences. Why it matters: - Clementine is positioning San Antonio as a place where Southern cooking can absorb global flavors without losing its regional identity. - John Russ is using seasonal produce, rotating dishes and table-level experiences to keep the restaurant’s menu moving beyond standard fine dining. - The restaurant’s model matters for diners seeking a more personal, chef-led meal in a neighborhood setting. What happened: - Clementine, owned and operated by James Beard Award finalist John Russ and pastry chef Elise Russ, is highlighting a menu built around Southern roots and international flavor profiles. - The San Antonio restaurant opened in 2018 in the Castle Hills community. - Russ, a New Orleans native, built his early culinary base after learning from his grandmother and studying at Delgado Culinary in New Orleans. - Russ later worked in fine dining at the Ritz-Carlton and with The Capella Group. - John and Elise Russ moved to San Antonio in 2012 and later launched their restaurant group in 2016 after running Alamo City Provisions pop-up dinners. The details: - Clementine serves dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. - The restaurant also offers lunch on the third Friday of every month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Guests can choose from the weekly menu or book the “Feed Me” experience, a five-course off-menu dinner prepared by John Russ and his team. - The “Feed Me” menu is built on the spot from fresh ingredients and seasonal produce. - Clementine’s menu includes dishes such as Beat Chicken Breast with chermoula and Grilled Summer Okra with za’atar. - Other flavor elements featured at Clementine include negi shio-chimichurri, Bordelaise sauce and chermoula. - The restaurant’s dining room is designed around an open kitchen and an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. - Clementine also offers The Juice Box, a monthly wine club curated by a sommelier and Chef Russ. - The restaurant accepts private buyouts and offers Clementine @Home, a staffed in-home dining service. - Clementine is located at 2195 NW Military Highway, San Antonio, TX 78213, and can be reached at (210) 503-5121. - The restaurant is ranked by the San Antonio Express-News as one of the top two best restaurants in San Antonio. - More information is available on the restaurant’s website . - Social channels listed in the release include Instagram and Facebook . Between the lines: - Russ is framing Clementine as part of a broader push for food sourcing, sustainability and industry support. - The restaurant’s global flavor combinations reflect a deliberate effort to widen the definition of Southern cuisine rather than replace it. - The emphasis on an open kitchen, rotating dishes and custom dining suggests Clementine is selling experience as much as food. What’s next: - Russ is expected to keep evolving the menu around seasonal ingredients and new pairings. - Clementine will continue leaning on the “Feed Me” format, private events and at-home service to extend the brand beyond standard dinner service. - Russ remains involved in broader industry advocacy, including support for bipartisan immigration reform through restaurant associations. The bottom line: - Clementine is using Southern foundations, global technique and a tightly controlled dining format to stand out in San Antonio’s restaurant scene.