First all we arrived at 3rd and Elgin at 6pm. Although we had a reservation for 6:30, the 6 o'clock arrival time was perfect. We were able to get to our table right away with no wait. At first glance of the joint, I was quickly impressed. Cute, cozy, cool looking wait staff, groovy bar with a modern feel, but with original Tulsa charm. Over head, I really like the musical selections (Keane, Florence and the Machine, Coldplay, etc nothing too expected, I suppose), plus not so loud you couldn't hear your dinner date. (Man, I sound old...) Anywho, got to our lovely copper-topped table (by the North facade windows (covered with thick curtains) overlooking the adult super store across the street!!) and began to scour the menu. Of course this wasn't totally necessary as we had already done so online (at www.junipertulsa.com in case you’re wondering). I had already pre-selected my entree...but we’ll get there later.
Our “first plate” selection was highly recommended seasonal “Mushroom Fritto” which were buttermilk fried mushrooms and onions with a sage aioli. Oh my stars. These were amazing. Very nice twist on the normal ‘fried mushrooms’. Great size portion for 2 (or 3). My only issue was that something was too salty for my taste buds. Don’t know if it was the seasoning on the mushrooms or if it was the aioli. Alexei didn't seem to care at all. So overall we gave this dish a healthy 4.5 out of 5 stars. Loved them. I too now highly suggest them.
I like asking the server for their personal recommendation when I’m in a pickle over a dish. Our server helped me select the Juniper Bistro Salad for our next course. This consisted of frisée (endive/chicory leaf), with house cured bacon, bleu cheese, walnuts, poached egg, julienne sliced apples, tossed with sherry-juniper vinaigrette. Now don’t get me wrong when she brought it out, I was quite skeptical of the poached egg atop this lovely curly-leaved mixture. At first I thought it was a dollop of mayo...yikes... But alas, upon realizing it was the egg, I proceeded to cut it into small pieces letting the smooth yolk blend in and meld with the other flavors. This was truly one of the best flavor-filled salad medlies I’ve ever had. Great mixture of sweet from the apples, savory with the blue cheese and egg, and salty from the bacon (again, perhaps a little too salty for me). I felt that this salad was large enough to have as a main course if one wanted or certainly share-able. Absolutely delish-galore. Once again, overall, we give the salad experience a 4.5 out of 5 stars. Bellissima!
Next of course came time for the entrees. I had pre-selected the Herbed Gnocchi with Bleu Cheese Crème with Butternut Squash and Chanterelles (pending the specials, of course). I stuck with my initial selection but strategically ordered the smaller side portion. This allowed me to also try the side portion of the Potato and Parmesan ‘Hash’, which had been recommended to me as well. As we had already enjoyed a starter and salad, the small sizes were a good strategy. The gnocchi were soft and moist and fluffy. The dish was filled with lovely colors and textures. It was complimented very nicely by the smooth creme and butternut squash. The potato ‘hash’ was also very nice. It was a rather sizable portion, much too much for me. Very savory, cheesy, mashy, a good southern dish. Dang my over-sensitivity to salt though. A little too much for me. But it was still very very tasty. We brought most of the tators (“what’s tators, precious”) home in a compostable plastic looking box made from.....CORN. These will be great re-heated for breakfast. I’d have to give these two items a healthy 3.5 stars. I very much enjoyed them, but they were not my favorite items of the evening.
Alexei got my cousins suggestion, the Duck Two Ways: prep #1) confit with warm apple salad, tarragon honey and pre #2) seared breast with butternut squash puree. I must say, both were lovely. The #2 preparation was cooked medium rare and was melt-in-your-mouth tender. The glaze was a perfect topper. But for me at least, #1 blew it out of the water. Again, one of the most glorious flavor combos ever. Brilliantly combined with the sweet honey and apples, this was the swan of duck. C’est magnifique en effet. He also got the seasonal vegetable sauté which had beautiful baby carrots, butternut squash, and other fresh veggies. These were so sweet and fresh. They tasted amazing.
We knew we wanted to order dessert and selected the Chocolate Brioche Bread Pudding which had a toffee and caramel sauce. Our sweet server inquired as to if we’d like coffee or hot tea to accompany our dessert. What a brilliant suggestion! She brought me the nice selection of organic teas of which I selected the Chai as I felt this would most suitably go with the chocolate bread pudding. Too right I was! Hot Chai with creme and pure cane sugar. Perfect for a bone-chilling night. The bread pudding was just delicious. Served in a 6-inch creme brulee style bowl. Each pudding is made to order. So it is delivered piping hot! My only critique was that it was a little too well done on the top.
I think most of this goes to say that beyond a shadow of a doubt, we loved this restaurant. The location, the service, the atmosphere, and the star of the evening (other than my red lips and red patent leather high-heels) was the amazing food. We shall surely return. Perhaps next time we’ll try something new! I’m very excited about the Seasonal Cobbler... Adieu jusqu'à la prochaine fois!!
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