When was the last time you had a coursed meal flow with absolute perfection...so flawlessly…read moreexecuted and memorable that you can't stop thinking about it days after your last delectable bite? This will be a longer review, but hopefully helpful for those that share our passion and want to get an idea of the impeccable dining experience we received!
Cuisine, beverage, service and ambiance were all beautifully represented in a tour de force Bordeaux wine dinner at JJ's Liberty Bistro in Ponte Vedra this last Saturday. Each course was one foodie thrill after another!
On the heels of an exquisite Valentine's Day meal (reviewed on this site), we jumped at the opportunity to experience Chef Oscar Perez' masterful creations expertly paired with wines from the beautiful Château Lagrange. For wine enthusiasts, this is a historic French Third Growth Bordeaux estate in the Saint-Julien appellation, known for its powerful, complex red wines made primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.
Taking an already-elevated dining experience to another level, owner JJ brought Château Lagrange's General Manager and Winemaker Matthieu Bordes along with US Manager Marie Gabriele and Importer Patrick Leveque to thoughtfully discuss each pairing from wine composition, regional history, vine age, crop yields, flavor profile, and so much more. My wife and I were fortunate to sit alongside them as we dined, talking about their passion for crafting amazing product, sharing their extensive knowledge, and exhibiting immense patience as I attempted to recall my French vocabulary! They were warm, generous and delightful company who we look forward to seeing again when next they return to JJ's.
As is a hallmark of dining at JJ's, the service was elegant and fluid, timed with precision like a beautiful dance. We began with Stuffed Mussels w/Crepinette, paired with a white 2022 Les Arums De Lagrange. The white wine served as not only a palate cleanser, but also gave gorgeous floral and buttery notes that balanced the mussels perfectly.
Next came a light Sheepshead Bordelaise, SO tender and sauced expertly to ensure each flavor could be tasted rather than overwhelming the palate with one versus another (wonderfully paired with a 2016 Haut Medoc De Lagrange). Pictured below, you can see how beautiful the plating was, as with all dishes that evening.
One of two favorites on the night...impossible to choose...was the Squab two ways (pigeon, akin to duck), served with Dutchess potato. Rich and decadent, this was a gorgeous pairing with the Merlot-dominant 2017 Les Fiefs De Lagrange. I'll be thinking about this dish for a long, long time!
Lamb Loin is a perennial favorite, perfectly cooked and sauced, accompanied by the most delicious mushroom soufflé we'd ever tasted. The flavors melded together seamlessly, enhanced further by each sip of the bold, fruit forward 2018 Chateau Lagrange St Julien. The Cabernet-dominant blend was magnificent, age worthy but very approachable now - we took home a winemaker signed bottle!
Finally, we came to a very special dessert not often found outside of the France, Caneles de Bordeaux. It has a dense texture with a slight crisp exterior, and was created to use the yellow of the egg; in the past, the whites were used to filter the wines. Delectable and unique, capping off a truly memorable event!
We were thrilled to learn that JJ hosts these amazing dinners monthly, so I've included a picture of the upcoming schedule. They have a tendency to sell out (as with the dinner we attended), so recommend calling the number below and booking early!
If anyone would like to experience something truly special and intimate, where the outside world melts away and you can truly indulge your senses, this checks all of the boxes and places itself among the finest beginning-to-end dining experiences available to the public. Salut, et bon appetite!!
JJ's Liberty Bistro
330 A1A N #209, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
(904) 273-7980