Right next door to the iconic Montréal Plaza and separated only by a whimsical curtain, Juliette Plaza is poised to make its mark on the culinary landscape with its official opening on February 28, 2024. From the very outset, the establishment distinguishes itself with an ambiance that is both inviting and vibrant, paired with an exceptional culinary offering that reflects the signature finesse of the renowned team from its neighboring counterpart. However, as you delve deeper, a noticeable distinction reveals itself, showcasing two unique venues that each boast their own unmistakable character.
An Exceptional Menu
The cuisine at Juliette Plaza is a mesmerizing combination of delicacy, creativity, and nostalgia, presented in a visually stunning manner that leaves a lasting impression. Echoing the renowned style of Montréal Plaza, the culinary direction is masterfully crafted by the dynamic duo, Cheryl Johnson and Charles-Antoine Crête. Cheryl describes their collaboration: “Charles embodies the creative spirit of the duo, while I’m here, among other things, to capture his ideas and bring them to life. We fluidly traverse our roles and work closely together to create each dish. Our cooking beautifully melds Asian influences from my childhood with classic inspirations, such as Charles-Antoine’s mother’s beloved sandwich loaf.”
The menu is thoughtfully divided into three main categories: aperitifs (small bites), fish and meat (main dishes), and sides. Juliette Plaza aims to provide a more accessible culinary experience compared to its illustrious neighbor. Highlights include the deviled egg, elegantly topped with an anchovy fillet, the exquisite Red Lobster Scallops, breaded to perfection and paired with a delectable homemade cocktail sauce, and the Germaine beef cheek, renowned for its melting tenderness. A signature dish to savor is the lamb flank, artfully accompanied by homemade labneh, preserved lemon, chickpeas, and refreshing mint. For adventurous diners, the offal offerings, including tongue and brain, promise to tantalize the palate.
With thoughtfully priced dishes spanning from $5 to $25, each selection on Juliette Plaza’s menu embodies temptation. The restaurant’s goal is to facilitate an enjoyable experience where diners can relish a small plate with a glass of fine wine or choose to linger for a more comprehensive gastronomic journey.
A Playful-Chic Décor
The name of this restaurant holds deep significance, serving as a heartfelt homage to Charles-Antoine’s mother, who passed away a few years ago. “Charles’s boundless creativity stems directly from his mother. Juliette was a vibrant and humorous individual, radiating elegance,” Cheryl shares, highlighting the profound influence Juliette had on her son.
Incorporating this maternal essence, the restaurant boasts a decor style that is best described as playful-chic. One cannot help but be captivated by unique design elements such as a whimsical boat suspended from the ceiling, gracefully rotating, and wallpaper adorned with prehistoric scenes. These playful details contrast harmoniously with the sophisticated bar, dazzling mosaic flooring, and an open kitchen reminiscent of the one at Toqué!, where Cheryl and Charles previously showcased their culinary talents.
Designed in collaboration with interior designer Andréanne Guillemette, the alluring decor of the restaurant provides yet another compelling reason to pay a visit!
Charles-Antoine and Cheryl brilliantly lead this innovative venture, but it’s essential to recognize that Juliette Plaza also serves as a creative playground and incubator for the dedicated staff from Montréal Plaza. These talented individuals contribute significantly to the development of concepts and menus, making it a shared endeavor.
Head to Juliette for the opportunity to explore the enchanting parallel universe that exists alongside Montréal Plaza!
**Interview with Cheryl Johnson, Co-Chef of Juliette Plaza**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Cheryl. Juliette Plaza is set to open soon. Can you tell us what inspired the concept and ambiance of this new venue?
**Cheryl Johnson:** Absolutely! We wanted to create a space that feels both inviting and vibrant. It’s right next to Montréal Plaza, but we aim to carve out our own identity. The whimsical curtain separating our two venues symbolizes this playful yet distinct separation. We want guests to feel an eclectic energy when they walk into Juliette Plaza.
**Interviewer:** Your collaboration with Charles-Antoine Crête is well-known. How do your culinary styles complement each other in creating the menu?
**Cheryl Johnson:** Charles is incredibly creative and brings a unique flair to our dishes. I focus on translating his ideas into delicious meals while infusing my own background into our recipes. We truly play off each other’s strengths, blending Asian influences from my childhood with Charles-Antoine’s classic inspirations, particularly family recipes that mean a lot to us both.
**Interviewer:** The menu sounds exquisite. Can you highlight a few of the standout dishes that diners can look forward to?
**Cheryl Johnson:** I’d love to! Our deviled eggs topped with anchovy fillets are a whimsical delight. The Red Lobster Scallops, which are perfectly breaded and served with homemade cocktail sauce, are a must-try. We also have the Germaine beef cheek, renowned for its tender melt-in-your-mouth quality. And for those feeling adventurous, we really encourage people to try our offal offerings, like tongue and brain—they’re carefully curated to challenge and delight the palate.
**Interviewer:** It seems like accessibility plays a big role in your offerings. How does Juliette Plaza’s pricing structure reflect that?
**Cheryl Johnson:** We want to offer an accessible culinary experience. Our dishes range from $5 to $25, making it more inclusive compared to our neighbor, Montréal Plaza. We believe that exquisite food should be available to everyone, and we’ve crafted our menu to ensure guests can enjoy a variety of flavors and experiences without breaking the bank.
**Interviewer:** With such a commitment to culinary excellence and accessibility, what do you hope guests take away from their experience at Juliette Plaza?
**Cheryl Johnson:** Ultimately, I want guests to leave with a sense of joy and fulfillment. Dining should be an experience that nourishes not just the body but also the soul. We hope to spark memories through our dishes, echoing the nostalgia and creativity that define our cooking. We can’t wait to welcome everyone on February 28, 2024!
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Cheryl! We’re excited to see how Juliette Plaza unfolds.
**Cheryl Johnson:** Thank you! We can’t wait to share this journey with everyone.
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