Jen H.
Yelp
I have come to the realization that the term "fine dining" does not apply to this establishment. I have been to some of the best dining experiences all over the world, and even in third world countries where most wouldn't expect it. In my opinion I think this is one of the best, if you haven't ventured out of the area I don't impress easily and refuse to follow the general consensus in order to not hurt feelings.
I was really looking forward to eating at Julep's, especially because I have been hunting for the best fried green tomatoes (so far none measure up to Mick's old hangout in Philadelphia RIP Mick's), and Julep's was recommended as an option (Reminder to self, some People's palate's are a$$).
Anywho,
I invited the foodie bloggers @we_hungryaf out to eat ( I figured I'd treat this time, lol). We were all excited to eat at one of Richmond s finest eating establishment's. We arrived extremely hungry and ready to chow down.
When we arrived we were immediately greeted and seated (that's always a plus). The place had a good amount of patrons, good ambiance and appeared to be staffed fairly well. Our waitress and waiter (I was confused when they introduced themselves, don't know if one was training), came to our table a few minutes after we were seated. A few minutes later whipped butter was dropped of at our table. We were given a very extensive drink menu, food menu and some other menu ( I have ADHD, I couldn't focus). We waited a few minutes before finally asking the server if we were getting any rolls and we're advised something would be out shortly. We all received one corn muffin. Also, the wait staff ignored me as they recited the specials, and I was the one treating, lol. Additionally, I hate being told how much something costs without my asking.
The service was pretty good, although I don't know how I feel about hovering wait staff, when it's good it's really good, when it's bad it's pretty bad, but when it's over kill it's cringe, lol.
I already knew what I wanted in advance and ordered the fried green tomatoes and she crab soup with fried green tomatoes crouton as an entree. The @we_hungryaf group ordered the pork belly, scallops appetizers and a salad. The entree's were shrimp and grits, rockfish, and duck. The appetizers presentation were lovely, but the lack of flavor made them average at best, and an indicator of what was to come. I don't think they read their reviews, but several people had similar complaints. The grits were not your Mama's grits, and would have been better had they substituted it with risotto. The fish was bland, and the duck was the worst duck I have ever tasted, its flavor was reminiscent of those huge turkey legs sold at Bush Gardens (don't judge me, kids make you buy all kinds of stuff). I have had better tasting duck from the store window out of hole in the wall Chinese restaurants. Matter of fact I prepare better duck than theirs. The fried green tomatoes were decent and I would eat them again. The she crab soup was supposed to have lump crab meat. it was crab flavored and salty, however there wasn't much crab anything. I ate it because I was starving and at least it was seasoned. I would not get the soup again. One of the foodies raved about the soup, and they all devoured the remaining fried green tomatoes What does Gordon Ramsay always say? "season and taste your food".
The kids all sent their entree's back, and the wait staff and manager weren't too pleased. The manager advised us that had never happened before (I find that hard to believe), maybe people were afraid to be embarrassed.
I go to eat for the 1.food, 2. service and 3.ambiance. I prefer not to waste my money or time on places that are clueless about their products. This is a nice establishment if you haven't been exposed to anything else.
I won't be going back, but you be the judge.
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