Jeune et Jolie Restaurant Review

Why yes, it’s time for a restaurant review! I haven’t done one of these in a bit- I’m selective about the experiences I share on the blog. Remember, my last review was of none other than The French Laundry, so the bar is high. I have to say, there is no better way to continue the resurgence of the restaurant reviews than with Jeune et Jolie. Nestled in the heart of Carlsbad, this beautiful little gem is the definition of old world ambience. I’ve dined here a couple times since their opening several months back. The first time was for my birthday dinner, which is the meal I’m sharing on here today. The second was for weekend brunch, which I can’t say enough good things about (especially if your definition of brunch involves oysters and salmon tartines). Without further ado…

Let’s talk about the decor- gold, pink, and cool green pop up on everything from the wall art, to the booths, to the plates. It’s delicate and feminine, yet make no mistake it commands attention. It’s confident, sexy, and trés chic. Perhaps a nouvelle French woman in restaurant form. Highly recommend checking Jeune at Jolie out on instagram– you really don’t get the full experience of the beauty unless you are in person, but their feed can get you pretty close.

At night, there is quite a buzz inside, though you would not expect it just walking down the street past the restaurant’s facade. Once inside, the jewelry box that is Jeune et Jolie treats you to the delight of an open kitchen in the middle of the dining room. I LOVE a restaurant that involves the guest in the opportunity to watch the chef and his team at work. Cooking is an art not only to taste, but also to witness.

Chef Andrew Bachelier and his team offer a tasting menu that features 3 courses and the optional raw starters. To me, a raw starter is not an “option”, but a requirement. But what if you and your party can’t decide between oysters and lobster? (Champagne problems, I know.) Cue the seafood tower…

Gorgeous, briny oysters, lobster, prawns, king crab legs, and mussels all culminate with quite the presentation on a chilled 3-tier tower. Yes, I ate all the oysters because I am an oyster FIEND. But I enjoyed bites of everything else, and I have to say, they make a genius curry harissa aioli that was inventive yet felt right at home paired with the seafood.

Next up, the madeleine with caviar, pistachio, and citrus creme. Light yet decadent. Now I can only ever eat a savory madeleine with caviar. Kidding, but I wish they always came as a package deal every time I encountered a madeleine.

My first time trying frog legs! I don’t know what took me so long, but I think it’s because not many places offer them. No surprise, this French restaurant killed it. Accompanied by fermented chili and tamari, it was a perfect fusion food and had me wishing I got the chance to try frog legs sooner. If you can get past the mental fear of frog eating, I say hands-down try this dish.

A lovely, crisp salad was a perfect way to divide the richness of the first courses from the entrees. Apple, celery, and blue cheese with black walnut. Makes me want to put apple and celery salads into my summer rotation. SO refreshing.

Next dish! Beets with leek, horseradish, black sesame crisps and matcha dusting. I never thought to pair matcha and sesame with beets, but this is a power move! The earthy and umami flavors just jive so well.

My mom and dad both got this entree of lamb with wax bean, chard, and garlic shishito. Are you drooling yet? The lamb was tender and luscious, really doesn’t get better.

I was in a seafood mood, so I got the scallops with sunchoke, abalone mushrooms, and vin jaune. Some of the best scallops I’ve ever had! I’m inspired to make this at home- scallops and mushrooms are the ideal combo of “surf and turf” for me.

On to dessert, which started with petit choux with black sesame cream and matcha (my faaave) and yogurt canelle. Some of the most delicious desserts involve the subtle, earthy flavor of sesame and matcha. Not too sweet, and perfectly balanced.

Last but not least, a little celebratory dessert- a birthday vacherin featuring meringue, starfruit, and mango sorbet. Meringue and tropical fruit can do no wrong in my eyes. The crisp meringue melded effortlessly with the juiciness of the fruit, and I was a happy camper. The perfect end to a perfect meal!

Have you dined at Jeune et Jolie? What was your experience like? Did you have a favorite dish? I can’t wait to go back again and try the new items on the always-changing menu!

Have a great weekend!

XO, Alexandra