Chardon, a French bistro, opened at the end of February inside the Thompson Hotel on Allen Parkway.

What you need to know

At the helm of the new concept is Houston Chef E.J. Miller, according to a Feb. 21 news release on the opening. Chardon promises a warm, relaxed ambience and a menu that features French cuisine through the lens of Texas.

Miller leverages the relationships he's built with local ranchers, farmers and purveyors through his years cooking in Houston, per the release. Each dish showcases the art of tradition and the rich tapestry that creates Houston's culinary landscape.
Chardon's Hors d’oeuvres include deviled oeufs, or eggs, in four varieties. (Courtesy Michael Anthony)
For starters

Appetizers include a variety of Hors d’oeuvres, including deviled oeufs—or eggs—in four varieties, as well as spice poached gulf shrimp with a gin cocktail sauce and Oysters served raw with a Champagne mignonette, per the release.
Chardon's traditional Hudson Valley Foie Gras Torchon is wrapped in smoked beef tongue and served on a caramelized red onion tarte tatin pastry. (Courtesy Micheal Anthony)
Larger starters showcase Miller's twists on classic French dishes, according to the release. This includes Chardon's traditional Hudson Valley Foie Gras Torchon, which is wrapped in smoked beef tongue and served on a caramelized red onion tarte tatin pastry.


Main course

Chardon's entrees span from land to sea, per the release. Featured dishes include a two-pound Maine lobster pot pie with a truffle-brandy cream and steak frites offered in a selection of cuts, including a center-cut filet and a ranch Wagyu ribeye.
Steak Frites are offered in a selection of cuts including a center-cut filet, ranch Wagyu ribeye or a 36-ounce Cote de Boeuf. (Courtesy Michael Anthony)
To finish the meal, a selection of cheese are presented to guests alongside honeycomb, mustard, olives and cornichons in "true French fashion," per the release.

For dessert

The French bistro updates several classics. Chardon offers a green chartreuse creme brulee with warm lavender madeleines and an oversized macaron with chocolate, raspberries and hazelnut gianduja mousse.
The Le Grande Macaron au Chocolate is served with raspberries and hazelnut gianduja mousse. (Courtesy Michael Anthony)
The drink menu


Chardon's beverage program features a wine list with bottles from France and California, while the cocktail menu pairs local and French spirits.

In addition to classic cocktails such as a French 75 and Sazerac, the menu includes signature cocktails such as the Cote d’Azur Spritz with Lillet Rose, wild elderflower and Prosecco; and the Au Revoir, which features mezcal, raspberry, green chartreuse, cornichon and pink lemonade, per it website.