chez jules is reckoned by some as a bit of a find, with a delightful, candlelit interior, french service, and food with stonkingly good prices, there shouldn't be a lot to dislike.
s.o. and i went for one of our celebratory meals, so whilst supping on prosecco we perused the extensive menu. i had eaten there the week before, choosing the half lobster which was justgreatserved up with french fries. on this occasion, we went for duck confit and smoked salmon to start and both the steaks for main.
i really liked the touch that the complementary charcuterie provided. it seems to me quite civilized to have a languorous meal in sumptuous surroundings, with bread and meat and pickles just a pre-requisite. our starters arrived looking suitably rustic. i found my salmon to be cut quite thickly, and though i'm all for big portions it felt somehow less enjoyable. s.o. wasn't impressed with the haphazard traditional plating, and found the flavours fell a bit short of what he expected. i, on the other hand, loved the luscious duck meat that flaked off of the bone.
our steaks were cooked perfectly. i adored the potato dauphinoise that it came with, and was totally distraught that i couldn't finish it despite my best attempts. all that bread at the beginning clearly did my no favours. overall, we found our mains to be excellent.
finally, i felt quite in the mood for some crepes, and asked if rather than coming with ice cream, could i possibly have some chantilly instead? they duly obliged, and i have to say the cream was the only part i liked, as the orange sauce was just too rich for my tastes.
i really like chez jules. i can see what all the fuss is about, as the experience is overwhelmingly continental. however, s.o. found it distinctly below par and much prefers his fine dining. i suppose it's a matter of taste, but take it from me, you won't go a wanting.
n.b. their lunch menu is extraordinarily priced!