A Traditional Kitchen Garden

“Potager” (pronounced Poh-tah-zhay) is French for a traditional kitchen garden. No name could be more fitting for this one-of-a-kind cafe, and I’m not saying that lightly. Organic produce arrives daily . . . not quite from their backyard, but mostly from Potager Cafe’s hometown of Arlington, Texas. Here’s what they have to say about one of their local sources:

The beautiful, unpoisoned soil at Gnismer Farms provides us with as much of the fresh fruit and vegetables as the seasons allow.  By eating what is in season right here in Arlington, we can see the soft progression through the seasons that nature goes through.  We started last January with their Swiss Chard, waited impatiently for the time we could go pick the luscious strawberries, blackberry season arrived…. now we are enjoying the bounty of the autumn season and the return of delicate lettuces picked only hours before they are enjoyed by you, eggplant, winter squash … and so much more. Source: They said what?

Finding a restaurant that uses almost 100% local, organic produce was more than I expected. But to find a restaurant that also uses pasture-raised meat? Well, let’s just say I was in hog heaven. Potager gets all their truly grass-fed beef from Burgundy Pastures, a local ranch. Their eggs, chicken and pork products come from Dominion Farms.

While their practices may reflect a time-honored, traditional approach to food, their monetary style is decidedly NOT traditional. There are no set prices. “Take as much or as little as you want and pay what you think its worth,” owner and Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef Cynthia Chippindale told the Fort Worth Business Press.

Meet the Chef

Left to right: Chef Mike Shaw and Trace Paradise

Chef Mike Shaw has his work cut out for him.  As available ingredients change, so does the menu. “Everything is prepared fresh daily. It’s a revolving menu. Cynthia does all the baking, pretty much. Trace and I wrangle up the grub.” After cooking in some of the best restaurants around, nothing beats working with the quality ingredients Cynthia brings in, he added.

Savor the Food

When Daniel and I stopped in for brunch, the menu included cinnamon apple crepes, the most incredible omelette I have EVER. TASTED. PERIOD. (ham, bacon, onion, mushroom, and havarti cheese). But by far the showstopper was the quiche and micro-greens. Seriously, words don’t do this pairing justice. You’ll just have to try it for yourself. The french-press coffee was rich and smooth. Yes, I tried it. First caffeine in about five months but it was worth it.

If you’re local, you MUST check this place out. If you’re not, why not explore your own backyard? I’ll bet there are some gems worth finding!

Potager Hours and Location

• Open for Lunch Tuesday to Friday from 11 to 3
• Open for Brunch on Saturday from 11 to 3
• Open for Dinner Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 9

And, sure, you can BYOB!

Located at 315 S. Mesquite Street in Arlington.  That is just north of Border (aka UTA Blvd.), one block from the Levitt Pavillion, the First Baptist Church and UTA,  and just a few blocks from the Central Library, City Hall, Theater Arlington, Johnny Highs and the Downtown Arlington Farmers Market!

Phone:  (817) 861-2292