The last place you'd expect to find a chef who once ran Le Cirque’s kitchen might be the East Side. But Raphael Francois, whose laurelled career has spanned the legendary New York restaurant, several Michelin-starred standouts, and some of West Hollywood’s buzziest hot spots, has opened an intimate new bistro at 1305 E Houston St.
Francois says, however, that Ray and Joséphine isn’t about his CV. The restaurant is a tribute to his two grandmothers — Raymonde on his maternal side and Joséphine on his paternal side (one can see a line drawing portrait of the pair on the window). Even the sweets stocked in the supérette at the entrance are based on childhood memories.
“I want people focused on having a good time and simple food,” he shares.
Although Francois has spent most of his career working at high-profile gigs, he was drawn to the vibe and approachability of San Antonio. And the city happened to have a Josephine Street.
“After 18 years [working in Los Angeles], it was kind of difficult,” he says. “During COVID, I was always exploring moving to Texas.”
He was drawn to the Merchant Ice Building on Houston Street for its connection to history. Inside the space’s exposed brick forms a charming backdrop to scattered vintage paintings, an odd gilded mirror, and spindly olive trees.
A roast beef sandwich on housemade bread.Photo by Brandon Watson
The counter service fare is just as unfussy. In the morning, Ray and Joséphine serves pastries, quiches, and a morning bun with cheese, egg, and bacon. Lunch service brings salads and sandwiches such as beef and horseradish, a burger, or estivale tomate, a tartine based on a classic French summer dish made with whipped ricotta and persillade.
All of the bread is made in-house daily, but originally he thought he would have to import produce. But after a trip to H-E-B, he was “shocked” to discover he could find all of the French produce grown more locally.
Francois says that once he receives his TABC license, he will expand hours to offer rustic family style cuisine. He will stock Texas beers and wines at three price points — both of which can be grabbed from the shelves without a complicated list.
Ray and Joséphine expects to have evening hours up and running as early as September. For now, the bistro is open 7 am-4 pm, Monday through Friday and 8 am-4 pm on weekends.
Photo by Brandon Watson
A tomato tartine at Ray & Joséphine
