A Parisian escape to Juliette in Williamsburg

My fixation with Paris and French culture should come as no surprise to those of you who’ve been following me for a while. I studied in Paris in 2010, went back to visit last winter, wrote a Paris travel guide, and even have a French word in the name of my blog. It’s true - I am obsessed! From the language and customs to the food and style, I find it all simply irresistible. I love going to French restaurants and places with a Parisian feel in New York and Juliette in Williamsburg is the perfect place to dip into if you’re in the mood for Paris. I’ve been at Juliette on several occasions and can truly vouch for the quality of their food and the sophisticated but not stuffy atmosphere. It’s perfect for afternoon drinks, a weekend brunch, or a date night.

The restaurant is divided into three different areas - the front, which features a vintage bar and small bistro tables, the more intimate back area with leather booth seating, and an area that’s covered in greenery, with floor plants as well as ones hanging overhead, which create a uniquely romantic mood. In the summertime, they also open their large rooftop area. The only factor that is distinctly un-Parisian about Juliette are the really polite waiters… damn it.

Rene and I had dinner at Juliette on a recent Friday night. The meal started with warm bread and butter with sea salt - one of my very favorite foods.

Red wine is a must, of course.

Duck confit is a quintessentially French dish that involves salt-curing duck for up to several days and then roasting and crisping it in its own fat. Juliette serves this classic in the form of a salad, atop a frisee salad, brioche croutons and toasted walnuts with a light vinaigrette. Though the dish is technically an appetizer, it is large enough to be a main course. The meat was perfectly tender and practically fell off the bone, and was indulgent enough to eat without a starchy side.

As a second course, I went with the gnocchi, which may be ordered as a small plate like this ($10) or a large one ($20). The dish consisted of soft little pillows of boiled and then lightly sauteed potato dough in an silky cream sauce with fresh peas, chives, speck - a smoked Italian ham - and grated Parmesan. Gnocchi is of course Italian and I’m not sure why it’s on Juliette’s menu, but hell, I’m not complaining. Between the salty cheese, sweet peas and smokey speck, the dish was resolutely indulgent. I loved every bite but can’t imagine getting through an even larger portion.

Tell me about your favorite “escape” restaurant.