When I heard a food critic dinged this Mexican cocina simply for not having chips and salsa, I immediately felt embarrassed for them. This place is ABOVE having chips and salsa (and besides, they have a much better plate if that’s what you’re hankering for. Ask for the “Tostopos & Chicharrones”). La Casa de Juliette offers delicious Mexican cuisine presented with technique and care in plating.
Boasting generous amounts of food for reasonable prices, you can’t go wrong with any plate (especially if you go there with friends or family). Come hungry! My family and I shared the family style “Puebla” with Suadero-Style Brisket (the cinnamon in it was addicting) and the Pork Al Pastor (the pineapple flavor had me coming back for more). The family style options offer rice, refried beans, a side of corn tortillas, pickled vegetables, a red salsa (morita) and a green salsa (verde). We also had a side of table crema (thinned sour cream) and under the ramekin of pickled veg were delicious caramelized onion (not sure if this is usually there, but the surprise was delightful and I certainly ate it). My mother was feeling under the weather and had a generous bowl of their “Pozole Rojo” for her pick-me-up. The pork was tender, the broth packed with flavor, and the soup was abundant with hominy (my mother’s favorite part). While the drinks were delicious (I ordered the refreshing “Midnight Garden” with activated charcoal among margaritas), I was determined to save room for dessert…
The dessert options were the perfect cherry on top of an already excellent meal and evening. My flan was tender and guilt-free with a certain nuttiness from the amaranth that it was garnished with. The orange supremes made it fresh and, paired with their Espresso Martini (Cabra Sagrada), had me cozying up in my seat with a makeshift caramel macchiato. Their buñuelo with chocolate ice cream is far more than their humble description. The ice-cream, to me, was reminiscent of the hot chocolate my grandmother used to make. Slightly spicy, the buñuelo dessert is an experience of heat, sweet, and crunch that had me in a flavor and texture heaven.
Thank you so much to our waitress Emily for thoroughly explaining the menu to us and being so attentive. Thank you to the FOH staff for the delicious drinks we ordered from the bar, and for the wonderful young man who was constantly refilling our water cups. I also want to thank the BOH staff for a delicious meal and the care that was put into the flavor profiles and plating. It makes my heart extremely happy to see my culture presented so beautifully.
I only have one suggestion for improvement: a lazy Susan for the family platter. My family and I were concerned with scratching up the table as we awkwardly rotated the large round dish around trying to get our sides and proteins on our individual plates. Also, don’t put chips and salsa on the menu, guys. You are worth and offer...
Read moreChef Lalo Saavedra has reached into his heritage and culinary expertise to create an extraordinary dining experience with La Casa De Juliette. His attention to detail, culinary heritage, and expertise woven into every dish are apparent in everything from the menu description to the presentation and, finally, the exquisite taste, which has a depth of flavor not typical in your run-of-the-mill Mexican restaurants.
We were greeted at the door and asked if we had any allergies they should know about (A+ for this).
Our delightful server, Diana, asked if we had been in before. When we said this was our first time, she described the drinks and menu options in beautiful detail and helped us navigate the experience.
To begin, we decided to try the guacamole margarita, a savory drink unlike any we have ever experienced; well worth the try.
Next, the meal turned to appetizers with Ceviche Mixto (Blue crab, sea bass, shrimp, serrano chili, cucumber, lime, and avocado) and Queso Fundido (Cheese fondue, fire-roasted corn, steamed corn tortillas, and we also added Carnitas). Both were incredible options to be included on our 'yes' list for a return visit.
For the main course, we went with a family-style platter, Puebla, consisting of two different meats - Brisket cooked with roasted coffee and burnt cinnamon and Pork Al Pastor charred with pineapple and guajillo chili. What a spectacular presentation! The oversized platter was served with corn tortillas, Guerrero-style arroz rojo, frijoles refritos, crema, house-pickled vegetables, salsa Morita, and salsa verde. The flavors were all unique and did not disappoint.
To round out the main course, we also had Esquites (Fire roasted sweet corn, cotija, tajin with roasted bone marrow, and salsa macha) and Hongos y Nopales (Roasted mushrooms, grilled cactus and salsa verde). Truly exquisite and flavorful.
To finish the evening, we had the flan with a citrus reduction. As we are incredibly picky when it comes to flan, we were blown away by the creamy, smooth, perfect sweetness of this desert. The additional texture dimension of the amaranth was a delicious and unexpected surprise!
The atmosphere is lovely and the portions are more than generous....
Read moreLa Casa De Juliet occupies a space that has seen its fair share of Latin/Mexican restaurants come and go. This latest iteration, however, feels like it might have the staying power, thanks to its upscale ambiance and a menu that leans into flavor and presentation.
Our evening started with an order of Ceviche, a fresh and tangy appetizer that set the tone for what was to come. For my main course, I chose the "Al Pastor Fajitas," which arrived sizzling with a colorful array of peppers and juicy chunks of seasoned pork. The flavors were bold and the portion was satisfying, though the price tag made me pause.
My wife and youngest daughter shared the "Carne's de La Casa," opting for the "Mexico City" style, which included Carne Asada and Camarones Diablo. This dish was a showstopper, beautifully arranged with an array of sides, including a delightful surprise of pickled cauliflower that added a unique twist to the meal.
My two older daughters each had a bowl of Pozole, a dish typically known for its affordability. While delicious and comforting, the price felt a bit steep for what is traditionally considered a simple dish. However, the upscale presentation attempted to justify the cost, reminding us that La Casa De Juliet is aiming for a higher-end dining experience.
The desserts, dark chocolate and flan, were a perfect ending to the meal. Rich, decadent, and beautifully presented, they left a lasting impression.
The restaurant itself is dark yet vibrant, with colorful decor that strikes a balance between upscale and welcoming. The staff were attentive and friendly, contributing to the overall positive experience.
However, the price point is something to consider. While the food and atmosphere are top-notch, the cost of some dishes might make it difficult to justify frequent visits unless you’re prepared for a splurge. This makes La Casa De Juliet ideal for special occasions rather than a regular dining spot.
If you’re looking for a place to celebrate a special night with flavors and a setting that stand out, La Casa De Juliet is worth a visit. Just be ready for the upscale pricing that comes with...
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