Brasserie Max and Julie

03/28/2008 Posted by bendrix

Setting: The place was clean, good color scheme, and well lit. Large windows afforded street views. It has a roomy outside eating area if you need to hear the traffic on Montrose Blvd. We sat at a corner table inside. The menu was extensive and the prices were reasonable. I don't know a lot about French food, but what little I knew was on the menu. Since it was lunch I just stuck with water for my drink. I don't drink wine and cannot comment on the selection. Though I can say it took up the entire back of the menu. Food: Each Tuesday - Friday they offer a lunch special. I had the Wednesday special which was a wonderful shrimp dish. I opted for the three course plan (only $2 extra and worth every penny) which included a salad (dark lettuce and pan seared plumb tomatoes which added a nice sweet flavor to balance out the raspberry vinaigrette) and your choice of three desserts. I chose the Creme Caramel (Caramel Flan) for dessert. Shrimp was served over a bed of long grain jasmine rice with olives, capers, zucchini, mini squash, turnips, red pepper, and a light butter sauce. The quality of the food outstanding. The vegetables were cooked perfectly. There was plenty of shrimp and the flavors really worked. Fresh baked bread and butter are provided with the meal. Dessert did not disappoint! The flan was flavorful and the Caramel Sauce was well made: A clear golden liquid with a sweet warm taste. Service: The staff were very attentive. This may have something to do with only 4 people in the restaurant at the time, but still I was impressed. Cost: Total Cost for my 3 course meal - including a 20% tip: $27.71 Exceptional for both the amount and quality of food. I came hungry and left full. I really feel we got a bargain. I plan on going back again. I'm sure the dinner experience will be even better. Summary: I've only 97 characters left so I'll keep it short: Go. Go now! You won't be disappointed!

Pros: Wonderful food, service, price

Cons: Not a lot of people in the place. Worried it may close.

01/13/2008 Posted by chiceater55

With a charismatic atmosphere, admirable service, and an extensive menu of genuine French food and wines, you cannot go wrong. We were kindly welcomed and seated on the second floor which was nice and cozy. The first floor featured a small but charming bar and dining area. We ordered a half carafe of the house red wine which was very tasty - and only $15 - a great deal. They serve sourdough bread to snack on and are very good with water refills. We started off with the Max & Julie salad - it was good, but not great...the dressing was kind of on the bland side. After a comprehensive overview of the menu items, specials, and favorites from our waiter - we decided on the Sweetbreads with madiera sauce and frites, and the Roasted Trout. If you are a fan of sweetbreads, I'm sure you would love these - the flavor and sauce were delicious. But I just cannot quite get past the texture of the dish. The frites were cooked to perfection - highly recommended. The trout was very good - lightly to under-seasoned (which is indeed a French trait) which made it just "okay" - nothing spectacular. Many people around us were oooing and ahhhing over their dishes - so I'm sure there are many winners on the menu. We followed up our main courses with an apple tart, which was mediocre. I'd say this is definitely a place to try out if you LOVE French food or are able to tolerate the lackluster in which it often delivers. The wine list was HUGE with tons of very affordable bottles and glasses - which is always a huge plus. I would definitely go back here - but I'm not rushing out my door...

Pros: Service, Ambiance, Wine List

Cons: Underflavoring

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