Juliet – Number 44
February 20, 2019
We are going to Juliet this evening and I am going to give some pre-thoughts as this restaurant works a little differently.
Firstly if you want a reservation you have to book their ‘of the moment’ prixe fixe menu (usually changed monthly). We are going to be treated to “A ROMAN HOLIDAY: Winter in the Eternal City”. So, we know we are starting with bitter lettuces, followed by roast duck and finishing with panna cotta.
We have had to pre-pay for our dinner (unusual, but not a problem), and the other thing I had to decide in the booking process, was whether we wanted two optional supplemental courses (at $30 extra each), which are to be served between the starter and main. We have decided not to do this, but I would like to have chosen on the night, maybe I’ll be totally ravenous and really want them (I wonder if we can change our minds. Hmm, I may test that later)
One of the things I love about going to restaurants is NOT knowing what I am going to eat. The rest of the week we cook, so either the day before or in the morning I have already decided what’s for dinner that evening. Surprise! Not.
So Juliet is a new experience, which has taken away a little of my excitement and anticipation. I even DIDN’T order duck at Cafe Du Pays last weekend because I knew we were having it tonight. I very much hope to be surprised in other ways. Definitely curious, watch this space…
Nothing to worry about there! We had a fantastic evening. Firstly, fantastic staff; our waitress was super friendly and helped us decide on the extra courses (they are totally flexible on the night, whatever you want, one or two extra courses…you decide). Katrina, one of the owners of Juliet, came over to talk to us and explained their concept and about their recent trip to Italy, which is where the inspiration for this particular menu came from. It was really interesting to hear about somebody else’s travels and how it affects their outlook and what they do in life (and work) and is something that totally resonates with us.
Food – Most delightful. We were given a beautiful little amuse bouche (literally translated to mouth amuser) to start us off, accompanied by amazing home made bread. The bitter lettuce (much tastier than it sounds), was served with prosciutto and sweet pine nut clusters which contrasted the bitter and added a crunchy texture. The duck as it turns out, was worth waiting for. In fact, all the dishes tasted great and were presented beautifully. We also opted for one of the extras – the consommé with little pasta parcels, which was perfectly clear and smacked you in the face with it’s full flavour.
Atmosphere – the restaurant is completely open, with the kitchen viewable to all. Tall tables mixed with low tables and some seating at the kitchen. There were personal touches everywhere. Even the bathroom had been decorated with images from the movie “Roman Holiday” – in honour of the current menu (one of my favourite movies – I was totally wowed).
Although we already knew what we were eating before going, there were a lot of unexpected delights along the way. Amuse bouche, extra courses, flights of desert wine. We were having such a great time we literally closed the restaurant. Clark is now trying to plan another visit to try out their breakfast or brunch. We’ll be returning soon.
