Returning to Juniper in Georgetown
It was about two years when I last had brunch in Juniper, the restaurant in The Fairmont Hotel in Washington, 24th, and M. I told anyone who would listen that I would soon return because I just had the best pancakes ever.
OK, it’s been two years but I got there.
They are served with maple syrup, not from a bottle, fresh fruit and, are you ready for this, the flour is imported from France. I didn’t care where it came from, they were a lot better than from any other pancake I’ve had here on earth.
I know what you’re thinking, Eddie it was a pancake. A pancake for goodness sake but you haven’t had them so stop complaining. It must be that flour from France. Or another reason perhaps, it was served to me by a professional server in a lovely restaurant in a lovely hotel.
Let me move on. There are of course other menu items. I was told three of the more popular are the Brioche French Toast, Cedar Plank Salmon and the Omelets. Small plates like Juniper Salad, Virginia Cheese & Charcuterie are also offered.
Some of the large plates include the Warm Turkey Club, Burger of the Month, Steak & Eggs and Benedict. You can find libations like Juniper Bloody Mary and Classic Mimosa. Along with desserts such as The Best Chocolate Cake (not my description, that is the actual name), Apple Pie, House Made Ice Cream and White Chocolate Pumpkin C
Juniper serves a breakfast buffet (7-11), brunch on Saturday and Sunday (11-2), no dinner service Sunday and Monday. It seats about 80 with a small semi-private dining area. If you drive there, pull up to valet and they will validate a portion of the parking. Good luck finding street parking. Saturday and Sundays you can enjoy High Tea from 2 to 4 p.m. Here you are offered a selection of about 10 teas and food. Reservations are required for this ($40.00).
If you’re there for dinner (Tuesday-Saturday, 5pm-10pm) you’ll want to know a few of the signature dishes include the Seafood Paella, Cedar Plank Salmon (larger order then brunch), Sauteed Sea Scallops and Grilled Lamb Chops.
By the way, the chef is from Spain. I need to go back and try some of his dinner options. From what I hear Juniper serves many locals, not just hotel guests. That is a very good indication of the quality of the food.
By the way, the family can visit Santa’s Suite weekends in December. The hours are 11am-3pm). It’s on the 9th floor. You’ll, of course, find Santa and treats. You can also write Santa a letter.
Reach the hotel at 202-429-2400 or go to washington@fairmont.com.
Eddie Applefeld is a Baltimore native and a graduate of Towson University. He has been in the broadcasting profession for over 30 years. Currently he is the Promotions Director of WCBM radio. Before that, he was part of the Rouse & Company show on WQSR, host of a cable TV show called Dining Out and adjunct instructor at Towson.
His past accomplishments include being named a finalist in Baltimore Tourism’s Employee of the Year Program and winner of Toastmaster’s Speaker of the Year contest. He was also twice a heartthrob for the American Heart Association’s gala fund raiser.