Junction — Restaurant in Essex

I recently had the pleasure of dining at the Junction restaurant, located within the exquisite Essex resort, and I can confidently say that it was an unforgettable dining experience. From the moment we were seated at the chef's table, we were treated to a culinary journey that left us in awe.

Let's start with the food. The pickled peach burrata was an absolute revelation. The combination of creamy burrata cheese with the tangy and slightly sweet pickled peaches created a flavor profile that danced on the palate. The contrasting textures of the smooth cheese and the juicy peaches were a delightful surprise, and each bite was a burst of summery flavors. It was a unique and inventive dish that showcased the chef's creativity and expertise.

In addition to the pickled peach burrata, the clam chowder and tomahawk steak were equally outstanding. The clam chowder boasted a rich and creamy consistency that was perfectly balanced with the freshness of the clams. It was a comforting and satisfying start to the meal.

As for the tomahawk steak, it was a true masterpiece. Cooked to absolute perfection, the meat was succulent, tender, and full of flavor. The chef's skill in seasoning and grilling the steak was evident in every bite. Accompanied by a delectable sauce and served with precision, it was a carnivore's dream come true.

However, it wasn't just the remarkable food that impressed us. The service at the Junction restaurant was second to none. The chef and the entire staff were not only knowledgeable but also incredibly passionate about their craft. From the moment we sat down until the last morsel was devoured, they went above and beyond to ensure our dining experience was exceptional.

The chef's table experience was nothing short of mesmerizing. We had a front-row seat to witness the culinary artistry unfold right before our eyes. The chef's skillful techniques and creativity in preparing each dish were truly impressive. Their attention to detail and the seamless execution of every course left us in awe.

The service staff, too, were outstanding. Attentive, friendly, and always ready with a smile, they made us feel like VIPs throughout the evening. They were well-versed in the menu, offered insightful recommendations, and ensured that our glasses were never empty.

The ambiance of the restaurant was elegant and sophisticated, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The attention to detail in the decor and the overall ambiance added to the overall dining experience.

Overall, the Junction restaurant at the Essex resort deserves every single one of its five stars. From the moment we arrived until the moment we left, we were treated to an extraordinary culinary adventure. The pickled peach burrata, clam chowder, and tomahawk steak were outstanding, showcasing the chef's expertise and creativity. The exceptional service provided by the passionate staff completed the picture-perfect evening.

If you're seeking an unforgettable dining experience that combines exquisite food, impeccable service, and a memorable ambiance, look no further than the Junction restaurant at the Essex resort. Trust me, it will exceed your expectations and leave you with a...

Things started off good, but took a quick decline. We got to swoop in to the chef table seats that were abandoned... which turned out to be a horrible decision (well, until the end. Stay tuned!) It was neat, seeing the chef and his sous cooking everything, but that also meant seeing when meals were done properly... and when frustration got the best of one chef in particular, which affected his cooking. Due to a miscommunication, a steak wasn't done the way a customer wanted and had to be redone. This led to slamming of pots and pans, and the rushing the next meals to get them out in less time. We fell victim to this wrath by getting undercooked, forty-two dollar scallops.

I appreciate what they're trying to do here, give you a high-end experience worth the high-end prices, but they've missed the mark terribly. The pasta was also way too al dente, and needed to be drowned in parmesan to be made tasty. Hearing one chef exclaim during cleanup how much he hates scallops was unprofessional, and it reflected in the way my order came out (Note: he did make some of the orders of scallops very good! When he got frustrated, his cooking went down the drain.)

The redeeming factor of this experience was when the main chef prepared this EXQUISITE cheese board from thin air and some faccacia we'd been eyeing all night (nearly 2 hours, to be exact!) It was so surprising and delicious, I could have cried. I think he knew how crappy the experience was and was being a great human trying to make things better. For this, I am extremely grateful.

Anyways, TLDR: Not worth the money. Food is dependent on the sous' mood. Go to town even if you are staying at the Inn 🙃

Dined...

We stayed at the Essex Resort & Spa for our anniversary weekend, and made dinner reservations at Junction as it was promoted to be an interactive restaurant. We had called and asked if it would be possible to move our reservation time up by a half hour, which they were unable to accommodate. We understood, but then were surprised when we arrived and there was only one other table of guests seated in the restaurant. I'm assuming they're suffering from staffing shortages, but it was a bit strange. Regardless, the menu had some nice choices, and we landed on the tomahawk for 2. The whole night we were anticipating the interactive aspect of this restaurant experience, but that never happened. It was just a typical dining experience, which they did a great job at, but it was just a small letdown when it was advertised as something different, especially considering this was our anniversary dinner and I wanted to make it special. Maybe it usually is more interactive, but because of COVID it's not? The kitchen was open and you could see the chefs cooking, but unfortunately we weren't seated close enough to really watch them. We were very happy with the food, hence the 4 stars, and I appreciated that there was a Yelp check-in offer available. It was a nice option to have staying at the Essex, but I think if they hadn't marketed it as something more than it was, I would've been happier with...