HOUSTON – Houston is known as a melting pot of cultures and its dining scene is a reflection of that diversity. The mix of flavors and cultural fusions is what so many people love about the city.
French cuisine has a strong presence in H-Town, and as part of our 2024 Paris Olympics coverage, we decided to make a visit to two of Houston’s most popular French restaurants.
Our first stop was a Brasserie Du Parc in Downtown Houston.
Master Chef and owner Jose Manuel Hernandez says it’s a dream come true to delight customers with his French recipes in Houston.
Hernandez is not French, he’s a Mexican National but he was introduced to French cuisine when he worked at a French restaurant in Mexico City. Working under a French chef, Hernandez learned the ins and outs of the most delicious and classic dishes, “French cuisine is an art. They’re known for their exquisite shapes and details to presentation.”
Hernandez’s Houston restaurant serves savory food, but he’s an expert at French pastries, winning awards and finishing top 10 in several national competitions.
He is known around the country for his expertise in French pastries, “French people love their baguettes, croissants and pastries in the morning. There is a bakery at every corner serving warm pastries with coffee.”
While we toured the restaurant and got a behind-the-scenes look inside the kitchen, Hernandez showed us some of the delicious pastries he makes and serves at Brasserie du Parc, including flaky croissants, creamy Éclair’s, and fruit tarts.
“It’s important to always have three textures in each dessert. Something sweet and creamy, puffy dough and fruit. You can also add things like almonds, pistachios, and color. It’s all about presentation,” he said.