Jonny Rhodes

Jonny Rhodes


Indigo

For chef Jonathan Rhodes, cooking is about the culture. A degree from the Art Institute of Houston and several years working in high-profile restaurants across the city, and country Rhodes launched Jensen Chronicles – a pop-up restaurant serving serious southern African American-inspired eats.

“The pop up series Jensen Chronicles was all about me trying to find myself and my footing in cooking. I spent so much time cooking for others I lost touch with what I like and want,” Rhodes explained. Opting to pursue a bachelors degree in history from the University of Houston-Downtown, with a focus on social food studies.

Not only did Rhodes find his footing, but he also found independent success with Jensen Chronicles. His path to entrepreneurship, forged by a pop-up restaurant named after the very neighborhood Rhodes grew up in, motivated the young chef to think big. His next venture, Restaurant Indigo, is the culmination of the process.

Indigo brings a physical structure to the tastes of Jensen Chronicles. Much like the pop-up series, its menu will focus on bringing old and new African American and Southern eats to Houstonians looking for nostalgia and culinary excellence.

From Jensen Street to Indigo, Rhodes continues to pay respect to the culture that inspires his menus. For him, they represent the sacrifice and beauty of the African American experience. Born out of necessity, but curated with love and skill, the social responsibility of food preparation is not lost on Rhodes’ mind.

Restaurant: Indigo

Tags: Chefs2019

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