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Chef Michael Lair has done it again! Last March, renowned chef, entrepreneur, and restaurant owner recently opened a new fine dining restaurant with a country home feel called, Clementine’s Kitchen in Bryan, Texas. While Michael’s two sister restaurants, Stella’s Southern Café and Harvey Washbangers are known as the “Best of the Brazos”, after visiting Clementine’s Kitchen, we know this restaurant is up for the task to obtain gold as well.
Clementine’s Kitchen, housed in the historic Downtown Bryan area, shares space with the local Old Bryan Marketplace. This original turnkey shop turned out to be a larger bite than Chef Lair originally thought because he wanted to preserve the history. What was originally going to be a quick opening, turned to tipping their hat to the oldest building in downtown from 1904, all to help build community. After much thought, love, and patience, Clementine’s Kitchen opened their doors to the community.
With a white tablecloth décor and a sweet tea country vibe, Clementine’s Kitchen serves not only a hearty brunch on the weekends, but they also shine during lunch and dinner. Our dinner experience noted that most dishes are shareable but who wants to share when you can have your own plates to enjoy?
We began our dining experience with the recommended, “Give Us This Day” bread plate. This included a nutty, seeded dutch oven loaf paired with house-made butter rolled in locally harvested microgreens. While many might stop at the soft, brown crusted sourdough, we decided to opt for the legendary house recipe Manchego Herb Biscuits. These delightfully hot and flaky rosemary herbed biscuits topped with coarse salt made our hearts melt with memories of home cooking.
After our appetizers, we were brought two shiny, white plates topped with the Short Rib Bolognese with a sweet, creamy tomato sauce as well as the Crispy Skinned Striped Bass. The sides included Tempura Vegetables (grown locally at Millican Reserve) and Fried Chicken Skins which eloquently pair perfectly with our entrees. While each dish was mouthwatering and delicious, and plenty to go around, we were certainly not departing without dessert. Their highly recommended local drip coffee paired with the Chocolate Brownie Pot Au Crème Tower, a dark chocolate brownie with smoked vanilla ice cream made for the most amazing dining experience.
Though everyone has their own personal tastes and preferences, this restaurant is suited for both foodies as well as the locals. This family-owned and operated restaurant is for anyone looking for a beautiful spot for brunch, date nights, or even a staff party. Clementine’s Kitchen is the elegant yet home-grown restaurant you are looking for. Clementine’s Kitchen accepts online reservations or opens their doors to walk-ins. To find out more information, please click HERE.
Bon appetit!
