Artisans is a lovely French restaurant that’s located near the Galleria in Houston. If you haven’t been, the food, service and overall dining experience is exquisite! We wanted to learn more about the man behind the unique concept, Chef Jacques Fox, so we invited him to participate in a Q&A session.
Q: What inspired your love of food and cooking?
From a young age, I was captivated by the kitchen’s sensory delights. My grandmother’s Polish meals, sourced from our garden and animals, and my mother’s decade-long stay in North Africa fueled my early culinary inspiration. Watching them transform simple ingredients fascinated me. My Grandfather’s post-coal mine retirement hobby was gardening, where we cultivated diverse crops.
Graduating from culinary school under Chef Jacques Bussiere at Maison Prunier, I explored global cuisines, fostering a profound passion. Traveling exposed me to diverse flavors and techniques, strengthening my connection to food’s power as a cultural bridge. Under talented mentors, I embraced culinary experimentation, striving for excellence. Creating dishes that bring joy and foster community is my ultimate inspiration. Cooking, beyond an occupation, is a life expression—channeling creativity and emotions, each dish telling a unique story.
My love for cooking evolves with every experience, flavor, and connection encountered on this ongoing journey.
Q: What inspired Artisans’ opening? Thoughts on the Houston food scene?
Opening Artisans stemmed from a passion for culinary artistry, a desire to share unique flavors, and the chance to create memorable dining experiences. The prospect of creative freedom, entrepreneurship, and leaving a lasting culinary legacy also fueled this endeavor.
Houston’s food scene is diverse, dynamic, and reflective of cultural richness. The city boasts a variety of international cuisines, innovative chefs, a vibrant food truck culture, and fine dining establishments, making it a culinary hub. Despite initial challenges in realizing my dream of a standalone restaurant, the second Artisans location, made possible by my investor Jason, materialized—a gated, stunning restaurant offering a safe, beautiful environment. The red carpet awaits your arrival.
Q: What can newcomers expect when they visit Artisans?
Let me transport you to a culinary world where you are mesmerized by an exceptional dining experience characterized by French-inspired cuisine that’s prepared with meticulous attention to detail. The restaurant is known for its unique concept of a gastronomic performance, where chefs prepare dishes in an open kitchen, “La Table du Chef”. The elegant ambiance of the restaurant, “one of the rooms will transport you in Burgundy” artisanal ingredients from many states (Artisans mean Craftsman), and a menu that has exciting seasonal offerings, contribute to a refined dining experience.
Our new Chef Erik is from Mexico, he has been training at Artisans restaurant for 5 years prior to this location, together we are creating an unparalleled cookery. Our General Manager/Sommelier, Jeremie Heng, graduated with a Master’s degree from the top Hotel Restaurant management school in the world, in Switzerland. He is French and worked in Europe before embarking on his culinary journey to the United State. We have an awesome team.
Q: What’s your favorite dish on the menu and why?
La Bouillabaisse. In 1975 I was working Maison Prunier 9 rue Duphot. This restaurant was recognized for his Haute Cuisine, they had their own fishery in Brittany and fresh seafood arrived daily. Chef Verillac, a Top Chef in Paris was 65 years old at the time, I was 18, he was born in 1910, and his Bouillabaisse was incredible. Here we are, almost 50 years later, la Bouillabaisse façon Verillac on my menu with the Chef Jacques Fox touch.
Q: What’s the most surprising thing about you?
I will be 67 years old on February 27th, and I have been knighted by the French government.
Artisans is open seven days a week. If you’d like to learn more about their new location, click here.
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