Max & Julie Brasserie
4315 Montrose Blvd.
Houston, TX 77006
713-524-0070
http://www.maxandjulie.net/
While meandering through the streets just outside our neighborhood one evening, we stumbled upon a cute little grouping of restaurants and bars in the Montrose/Museum District area. Though we didn't select one that night for our last-minute meal out, instead opting for Bocados on West Alabama (future post coming), we immediately commenced Internet research the following day to determine the first contender for the next outing. The winner: Max & Julie Brasserie.
But before the meal, we insisted upon a stop in the quaint Zimm's, which is located a few doors down. In business for 44 years, the Bellini Tini and Manhattans did not disappoint. The service was friendly without being interferring. We sat on the patio and enjoyed the spring weather before the summer descends upon Houston. But rest assured, the inside boasts cool air conditioning for when the hot heat arrives. While sipping our concoctions, several runners and even one cyclist flew through the patio on the designated "sidewalk" that separates the bar structure from the outdoor space. The exercise enthusiasts were no bother actually and just served to reinforce the friendly neighborhood feel of that particular Montrose corridor.
After savoring the delicious Zimm's martinis, we walked a few doors down to check out Max and Julie Brasserie to test our skills at landing a table without a reservation. Fortunately, luck won out though there weren't many empty tables. We perused the menu and selected the special appetizer of half a dozen raw oysters - my husband Cameron's favorite. I sampled one and declined any more as they were small and gritty. Cam wolfed the others down all the while agreeing he has had better. Coming from Louisiana, our oyster quality expectation is a pretty high standard.
Slightly disappointed with the oysters, our entrees were quite the opposite in performance. Both scored extremely well on our report cards. I chose the Petit Poulet Saute Forestiere (chicken with mashed potatoes, carrots and mushrooms in a red wine glaze) while Cam went with the Canard Roti au Miel et Lavande (duck two ways with lavendar and honey). The chicken was tender and juicy with the appropriate balance of starch, vegetables and sauce. The duck was cooked perfectly in an aromatic blend of lavendar and honey and served with grilled vegetables with a few fried mashed potato balls. Cam cleaned his plate, and I came close!
Because of my previous perusal of the menu online, I decided prematurely on sampling the Souffle Maison - hence my reason for not over-ordering appetizer, salad, etc. I had dreamed of tasting their Souffle for several days prior to our dining experience that Friday evening. However, once we learned the flavor for that night was coffee, I knew my husband would decline sharing the dessert. Quite filling we passed on a sweet treat with the decision to return another day for another flavor - hopefully chocolate or vanilla!
Service: Kudos to server Renee and the host staff - all very attentive
Price: $$ (great prices for the quality)
Atmosphere: lovely, great for romantic dates or small groups, large patio
