Bachelor Recap and Romance at Julep's

The Bachelor/Bachelorette series is a guilty pleasure of mine, and an even guiltier pleasure for Brian, who likes to pretend I force him to watch. Sure, the show can be pretty cheesy ("If Jessica can't jump out of this plane without a parachute, how can I know in my heart that she can make that leap of faith and fall in love with me?" or, while on top of a mountain, "I'm on top of the world right now."), and painfully redundant (is there a quota each person has to reach for saying the word "vulnerable"?). But it is also a lot of fun (drink every time someone says "vulnerable"). Check out awesome recaps at Betches Love This.

I'll admit, I watched this season with Sean, and thoroughly enjoyed it. His proposal to Catherine on the finale was pretty romantic and, for the first time in a while on this show, seemed very real (Catherine genuinely couldn't believe it - "yes whaaa"). That said, this show has a pretty dismal success rate. Out of 24 "couples," only three are still together (12.5%)! And that includes one Bachelor who pulled the ol' switcheroo and reneged on his proposal to the "winner" and proposed instead to the show's runner-up. I hope Sean and Catherine last, and am looking forward to The Bachelorette with Des - my original choice to win this season!

Brian gave me the final rose a few years ago, but I want to flash back to our fantastic Valentine's day dinner at Julep's New Southern Cuisine. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned how much I love their sister restaurant Mint on this blog before (and in case I haven't, I do, and I encourage all to try their chicken and waffles), but I had no idea what true upscale Southern dining was until I left Julep's.

If you plan on eating here, definitely make reservations; we went on a Monday around 8 pm and it was packed. The restaurant is located in Shockoe Bottom, one of the oldest areas in Richmond, and was decorated with an old-timey feel, featuring exposed brick and old posters on the wall. I thought it was pretty small until I realized most of the dining tables were upstairs with lots of exposed rafters making up the roof.

Apparently I missed the memo that this place ran a Groupon deal - literally everyone around us had one! That didn't stop me us from ordering two glasses of Pinot Grigio and sampling their delightful cornbread to start. The cornbread we make from the Jiffy box is decent, but not as moist or flavorful as what they served. The mini muffins were a great way to start the meal.

I knew that I was ordering their Shrimp and Grits before we arrived - I have a habit of stalking menus and knowing what to order ahead of time. When my entree arrived, I had five huge, Cajun-seasoned shrimp over creamy white cheddar grits, staring me in the face. Not to mention underneath those grits was smoked andouille sausage, onions, peppers, tomato and spinach - all in a shrimp broth. So many complimentary ingredients, sealed with the tasty broth. I ate it all so slowly and savored every bite! Truly one of the best shrimp and grits entrees I've had.

Brian ordered the Cassoulet, which included lamb sausage, duck confit, pork belly, white beans with vegetables and an herb bread crumb topping. He was in the mood for something new and interesting and this entree really hit the spot for him. He described it as similar to a pot pie, but rather than a pie crust there was a lightly breaded crust all around. The waiter warned him it would be too hot to eat immediately.  Brian is not one to wait around at the dinner table, but this time he had to. And for the second time in as many restaurant trips, he couldn't finish his meal (the Spicy Lamb Sausages at Bacchus got the best of him as well).

I was so pleased with my Shrimp and Grits that I almost didn't want to order dessert, but how can you pass up bananas foster made table-side? Sheesh. Watching them make the dessert up close and personal was definitely a fun way to end the meal. The aroma of sugar, bananas, rum...smells like heaven. This is a must, so save room!

I loved everything about our experience here and it's definitely one of my favorite fancy restaurants in Richmond! Check it out if you get the chance. I'm about to make my own birthday reservations...for June... :o)