It was a festive holiday weekend in our
household … we didn’t plan on it but all of our meals happened to take place in Brookside.
It’s a great neighborhood with quaint restaurants, shops and locally-owned
businesses: for us it's perfect; for others, well, it’s just not for them! Oh
well!
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| Chef Celina Tio in her kitchen (from her Web site) |
The first meal was at Julian: James Beard award-winning
(and Top Chef Master’s contestant) chef Celina Tio’s first
foray on her own has turned out to be something exceptional. According to
her Web site: Julian is “your favorite soul-satisfying dishes, crafted
with the finest local and seasonal ingredients, refined with signature twists
and served in a comfortably sophisticated atmosphere.” Agreed!
Our first few visits did not blow us away but it
was early on and we gave it time. This past Labor Day weekend we stopped in on
Friday night and sat in the bar. No kids, no babysitter and no curfew meant we
could enjoy ourselves!
The staff was great from start to finish and
have always been on their game. Service Manager Mike took good care of us and
worked with the bar staff to ensure a positive experience! Tonight, as with
many nights, we went the wine, appetizer, dessert, wine route as that allows us
the most flexibility. At Julian, it works even better as many of their plates
are designed for this type of dining – or at least that’s we told ourselves!
So here is our evening in 140 character
"bites" at a time (Twitter posts are shown in reverse order meaning
the first are the last of the evening):
Very good evening: food + service + wine @JulianKC ... Some
new favorites as well! Might be back for #brunch on Sunday!
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| Not actual cheese served but a great pic nonetheless |
We love our cheese and it’s such a proper way to finish a meal!
Almonds and jam really added to the experience!
kcwineguy via HootSuite
kcwineguy via HootSuite
Final course: cheese board &
accompaniments: w/#manchego #Brie #smoked Gouda and #Gruyere, #Marcona almonds
and blueberry jam ... @JulianKC - Great finish!
If the Mrs. is an “egg slut” I think I could be the macaroni and
cheese version … add some bacon and, well, we’ve got us a good time! This was a
very simple but tasty dish that used all the right ingredients and hit the
spot!
5th course: #Boulevard #PaleAle Mac
& Cheese with #bacon showed up and had to be enjoyed! Perfect as I
hoped! @JulianKC
Some times food magically appears at our table … this time I was
hesitant: pretzels can be tough and chewy but these were soft with a light
salty coating on the buttery exterior. Not too shabby … the spicy cheese dipping sauce was a perfect balance and the red wine clinched the deal … we was
pleased!
kcwineguy via HootSuite
So ... (4th course) some housemade #pretzel sticks, #horseradish cheese sauce made it out and really had a perfect pairing w/the wine tonight! @JulianKC
Bowl o’ mussels, garlic, white wine … always a solid option here! ‘Nuff said!
kcwineguy via HootSuite
3rd course: #mussels w/ lots of crusty baguette! ... A must have! Very happy now! @JulianKC
My wife uses the term “egg slut” … of course it was borrowed from Anthony Bourdain but it still fits: wow! Circulated egg, prosciutto and ricotta … the right amount of flavor and food to make you want just a bit more … but we had other ideas!
kcwineguy via HootSuite
2nd course: ricotta, circulated egg, crispy prosciutto, crostini ... OMG this may be my new favorite dish! Runny, tangy, rich and filling! @JulianKC
Big fan of Conn Creek but I had not had the Herrick before (the Anthology was always a solid performer and a great value at $65/bottle) … good producers make good wine!
kcwineguy via HootSuite
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| Great value and a great find on the wine list! |
Trying the 2007 #ConnCreek Herrick Red ... A great
#Meritage w/#Syrah ... Very excited to pick up a bottle for home! $9/glass
and $39/bottle
I am sketchy on typical crab cakes as most of the time they are mostly cake and minimal crab … no this one and it really stood up to the remainder of the Sauvignon Blanc!
kcwineguy via HootSuite
Maryland #crab cake was very good as well ... 2 for 2 on apps tonight! Yay for Julie the "ordering queen" @JulianKC
kcwineguy via HootSuite
Salmon deviled egg is outstanding! Kudos on this one ... A must have! @JulianKC!
So how many times can I state that the deviled eggs are amazing … you must order them!
kcwineguy via HootSuite
1st course: house-smoked salmon, deviled egg, pickled red onion plus their special Maryland crab cake! @JulianKC
It’s rare that I drink white when I am out but the Mrs. wanted some and I was happy to oblige her needs … besides, it was a glass of Neil Ellis (and not a bottle) so why not start the night off right for a bit of South African love!
kcwineguy via HootSuite
Starting with a #South African #Sauvignon Blanc ... Yes, it's a white! @JulianKC
Foursquare check in is mandatory … but I digress!
kcwineguy via foursquare
Back for more! (@ Julian) 4sq.com/rqAAT7
All in all a very positive and memorable experience … so good, we opted to come back for brunch 36 hours later with the family … more on that later!
Be sure to check out Julian and Chef Celina Tio at:
I am sketchy on typical crab cakes as most of the time they are mostly cake and minimal crab … no this one and it really stood up to the remainder of the Sauvignon Blanc!
kcwineguy via HootSuite
Maryland #crab cake was very good as well ... 2 for 2 on apps tonight! Yay for Julie the "ordering queen" @JulianKC
kcwineguy via HootSuite
Salmon deviled egg is outstanding! Kudos on this one ... A must have! @JulianKC!
So how many times can I state that the deviled eggs are amazing … you must order them!
kcwineguy via HootSuite
1st course: house-smoked salmon, deviled egg, pickled red onion plus their special Maryland crab cake! @JulianKC
It’s rare that I drink white when I am out but the Mrs. wanted some and I was happy to oblige her needs … besides, it was a glass of Neil Ellis (and not a bottle) so why not start the night off right for a bit of South African love!
kcwineguy via HootSuite
Starting with a #South African #Sauvignon Blanc ... Yes, it's a white! @JulianKC
Foursquare check in is mandatory … but I digress!
kcwineguy via foursquare
Back for more! (@ Julian) 4sq.com/rqAAT7
All in all a very positive and memorable experience … so good, we opted to come back for brunch 36 hours later with the family … more on that later!
Be sure to check out Julian and Chef Celina Tio at:
6227 BROOKSIDE PLAZA
KANSAS
CITY, MO 64113
816.214.8454
You can make your reservations on Open
Table as well!
Congrats to Chef Tio on a great menu, quality staff and a wonderful experience!
