Le Jardin’s food philosophy is fresh with inspiration and ideas and an approach that is grounded in proper and basic French technique. We are proud to be a scratch kitchen offering definitively French, bistro style fare. The rustic yet polished presentation of cuisine uses cavalier combinations and embraces a variety of flavor profiles.

Our cuisine manifesto is hinged on local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients. The pantry is stocked with ingredients from the gardens of friends, family, local farmers and regional producers; bringing the abundance of the field to our table. Le Jardin adheres to a very organic operational model allowing us to participate in the planning, planting, cultivating, growing and harvesting cycles of independent, organic and local community farms.

At Le Jardin if it is not from the garden, rest assured you can trust the authenticity of the products available.

The Culinary Team
Tag Grandgeorge – Chef/Owner
Born and raised in Eagle Grove, IA, and a ’95 graduate of Buena Vista University, Grandgeorge moved to Des Moines in 1998 to accept a position at Court Avenue Brewing Company and begin his culinary adventure.

Grandgeorge has participated in the opening stages of the most adventurous and exciting projects in the recent history of the Des Moines restaurant landscape. Grandgeorge honed his skills while working as chef de cuisine at Chat Noir Café, chef saucier at Varsity Brasserie and Coffeehouse and executive chef at the ArtHouse Restaurant and Gallery.

Seeking worldly experiences, Grandgeorge embraced a year-long sojourn in 2004. His travels led him to the mountains of Alsace, France, for a three month tour of the gastronomically rich region of his grandfather’s origin. Back in the States, Grandgeorge assumed residence in upstate New York working under Chef Josh Kroner as sous chef/master steward for the awarded Terrapin Restaurant/Bistro/Bar in Rhinebeck, New York.

Grandgeorge was the opening chef at the Grand Piano Bistro in May, 2007. Working with a blank canvas, he was able to design the kitchen and the well rounded menu of worldly cuisine.

Le Jardin originally opened on 42nd Street in 2008 in a shared space and after 3 years of catering under the name, Grandgeorge is happy to call Beaverdale home.

Ashton Cross- Sous Chef
A graduate of DMACC’s Iowa Culinary Institute and Des Moines native, Sous Chef Ashton Cross brings a fresh perspective to farm to table food.  Cross worked at Le Jardin while still in school and later served as opening Sous Chef at Occasions Made Right where he learned the details of catering on a large scale from start to finish. Cross also worked as a corporate chef and trainer for Maid Right. Cross’ specialty is desserts, so be sure to check out his weekly features.

 

Farmers & Partners

Berkwood Farms http://www.betterpork.com/

Rooster Ridge Farm

Holdeman Farm

Sunrise Farm

Du Bruin Brothers http://www.debruinbrothers.com/

The Cheese Shop of Des Moines http://thecheeseshopdsm.com/

Peace Tree Brewery Co.- http://www.peacetreebrewing.com/

Madhouse Brewery- http://www.madhousebeer.com/

Buy fresh, buy local http://drakebuyfreshbuylocal.org/