Chefs Building Culinary Empires Together: The Power Couple Era

From their first conversations about opening a restaurant, John and Elise dreamed of a place that reflected their values as much as their talents. John, a New Orleans native and James Beard Award finalist, brings Southern roots and global inspiration to the menu. 

Elise, trained at Johnson & Wales and an alumna of the James Beard Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, transforms her passion for pastry into refined, memorable desserts. Since opening Clementine in 2018, the couple has married these strengths into a seamless dining experience.

Guests can choose from à la carte dishes or Clementine’s signature Feed Me option, a five-course off-menu journey designed by John and his team. This ever-changing menu reflects the Russes’ creativity and commitment to seasonality, offering diners a taste of something new every visit.

Their partnership extends far beyond the kitchen. Elise’s precision and organization complement John’s inventive energy, creating balance that fuels Clementine’s success. When the pandemic tested their resilience just two years after opening, the couple adapted quickly, reimagined operations, and emerged stronger, proving their bond was as unshakable as their vision.

Equally committed to their team and family, John and Elise structure Clementine around balance. Staff receive weekly updates, clear guidance, and built-in time off, while the restaurant closes on Sundays and Mondays to prioritize family life with their three children. In an industry notorious for burnout, the Russes are building a model where people come first.

With a growing list of accolades, including recognition as Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year and multiple James Beard finalist honors for John, John and Elise Russ embody a new era of restaurant entrepreneurship: intentional, collaborative, and deeply rooted in community.

Clementine isn’t just one of San Antonio’s top restaurants - it’s proof of what’s possible when love, resilience, and vision come together at the table.

Opened in 2018 in the Castle Hills community of San Antonio, Clementine is a family-owned neighborhood restaurant serving seasonal, innovative eats in a modern and lively atmosphere. Led by Chef John Russ, a 2023 James Beard Award Nominee for Best Chef: Texas, and Pastry Chef Elise Russ, the menu features bold, globally inspired flavors through a rotating selection of small plates, generous platters, produce-forward “sideboard” options, and nostalgic, imaginative desserts.

Many guests choose the signature Feed Me—a six-course, family-style dining experience where Chef Russ and team create a personalized menu for the table based on seasonal ingredients and creative pairings. In addition to dinner service Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Clementine offers lunch on the third Friday of every month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Clementine is also home to The Juice Box, a sommelier- and Chef Russ–curated monthly wine club showcasing unexpected, highly drinkable bottles to be enjoyed at home. For special occasions, the restaurant is available for private buyouts, offering a warm, intimate setting for all kinds of celebrations. Clementine @Home extends the experience even further, with a fully staffed, in-home dining service that brings Clementine’s hospitality and flavor to your table.

Ranked one of the top two best restaurants in San Antonio by the San Antonio Express-News, Clementine is located at 2195 NW Military Highway, San Antonio, TX 78213. For more information, call (210) 503-5121 or visit www.clementine-sa.com. Follow on Instagram @clementine.sanantonio and like on Facebook @Clementine.SanAntonio.

- 2021 Best Restaurant by San Antonio Magazine
- 2024 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards Winner - Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year
- 2025 Clementine ranked #2 in the city on San Antonio Express-News “Top 50 Restaurants”
- 2025 San Antonio Business Journal Impact Award

- 2022 James Beard Foundation Award Semifinalist - Best Chef: Texas
- 2023 James Beard Foundation Award Finalist - Best Chef: Texas (Only one from San Antonio)
- 2025 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards Winner - Chef of the Year

- 2025 CultureMap San Antonio Tastemaker Awards Finalist - Pastry Chef of the Year
- Alumna of the James Beard Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Program