We had been walking past Le Petit Julien for a while. A tiny restaurant just off the pedestrian area in Angers, it looks inviting from the outside - a row of little tables for two with one or two larger tables at the back. So, a couple of weeks ago, we seized the opportunity and had dinner.
We were warmly welcomed by the owner, a smiling and slightly dizzy lady who gave us the remaining table for two by the door with assurances we wouldn't be disturbed. A few nibbles arrived as we had an aperitif (cubes of Comté, slices of salami) and we relaxed for a while perusing the menu which is written up on a blackboard and brought to your table.
The rillettes du Mans was good, served at the right temperature (not cold straight from the fridge) and with good bread. I had an excellent terrine - extremely coarse and clearly home made.
To follow we had crepinettes (a sort of pork pattie, wrapped with caul and pan fried) and kidneys served with a mustard sauce. These were accompanied by purée (the owner was very keen to point out that this was maison fait which amused us - is there any other decent purée). I could have done with a few haricots as well but there is a choice between rice, mash, haricots or pasta.
Amusingly, the owner came over to us and asked if we would like to order a dessert while we were still waiting for our entrée to come out. As she realised her mistake another group came in hoping for a table and as she recounted what she had done there was much laughter.
For dessert we had home made rice pudding which was excellent - served just warm and with a whiff of vanilla, and apple tart.
I'm ashamed to say that I can't remember the producer of the Chinon that we drank. This is probably a good thing because it was nothing to write home about. Sound but a bit austere and lacking in fruit. That aside, we had a really great evening.
Summing up I would say that the portions could have been a little larger and it would have been good to have a vegetable with the main. Dishes are simple and the kind of thing that you would make at home. Having said that, the owner (who used to work in finance), says this is what she is aiming for - simple food as your mother would have made it.
We had a very nice evening - simple food, moderate wine, great hostess, good music and lots of fun. It's not a top of the range restaurant (not cheap either) but it has a nice warm atmosphere.
Le Petit Julien
17 ru Valdemaine
49100 Angers
02 41 87 12 53
We were warmly welcomed by the owner, a smiling and slightly dizzy lady who gave us the remaining table for two by the door with assurances we wouldn't be disturbed. A few nibbles arrived as we had an aperitif (cubes of Comté, slices of salami) and we relaxed for a while perusing the menu which is written up on a blackboard and brought to your table.
The rillettes du Mans was good, served at the right temperature (not cold straight from the fridge) and with good bread. I had an excellent terrine - extremely coarse and clearly home made.
To follow we had crepinettes (a sort of pork pattie, wrapped with caul and pan fried) and kidneys served with a mustard sauce. These were accompanied by purée (the owner was very keen to point out that this was maison fait which amused us - is there any other decent purée). I could have done with a few haricots as well but there is a choice between rice, mash, haricots or pasta.
Amusingly, the owner came over to us and asked if we would like to order a dessert while we were still waiting for our entrée to come out. As she realised her mistake another group came in hoping for a table and as she recounted what she had done there was much laughter.
For dessert we had home made rice pudding which was excellent - served just warm and with a whiff of vanilla, and apple tart.
I'm ashamed to say that I can't remember the producer of the Chinon that we drank. This is probably a good thing because it was nothing to write home about. Sound but a bit austere and lacking in fruit. That aside, we had a really great evening.
Summing up I would say that the portions could have been a little larger and it would have been good to have a vegetable with the main. Dishes are simple and the kind of thing that you would make at home. Having said that, the owner (who used to work in finance), says this is what she is aiming for - simple food as your mother would have made it.
We had a very nice evening - simple food, moderate wine, great hostess, good music and lots of fun. It's not a top of the range restaurant (not cheap either) but it has a nice warm atmosphere.
Le Petit Julien
17 ru Valdemaine
49100 Angers
02 41 87 12 53
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