Clementine Press Release:

Clementine executive chef and co-owner John Russ ’97 was recently named a 2022 James Beard Award semifinalist in the Best Chef: Texas category. Chef John, a New Orleans native studied at Delgado Culinary and went on to work in fine dining at the Ritz-Carlton and then The Capella Group. In 2012, Chef moved to San Antonio, and with his wife and pastry chef, Elise Russ, opened Clementine in January 2018.

The James Beard Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to celebrate, support, and elevate the people behind America’s food culture and champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability.

In addition to being recognized by the James Beard Awards, the neighborhood restaurant has received a number of accolades, including landing on various “Best Of” lists, and garnered recognition from ABC News, Southern Living, CBS MoneyWatch, Eater, CultureMap, Texas Monthly and Tasting Table.

At Jesuit, Russ was involved with wrestling team, Cycling Club, Key Club, Physical Fitness Team, WJHS Radio, and Cheerleading.