Jennifer James 101
April 17th, 2008
The triumphant return of the Duke City’s favorite celebrity female chef is upon us!
jennifer james 101
. . . is the name of the new spot, opening on April 29th in the up and coming stretch of Menaul, right next to Ruby Shoesday.
I first ate at the original Jennifer James on San Mateo after it had opened up in the old Cafe Spoleto house. I missed Cafe Spoleto dearly and was slightly dubious about this “newcomer”, yet I had heard it was good so I made a reservation and went for it. I had vegetables that were actually prepared correctly, salad greens dressed properly, and rabbit so tender you’d hesitate to call it a game animal. Multiple visits ensued, and then Graze happened – James’ vision of small plates and lots of sampling by everyone at the table. It did well among foodies, but Albuquerque either didn’t have enough of them or those devotees didn’t have enough cash to visit time and time again, and ultimately it closed less than six months after Jennifer left the kitchen.
She has been cooking at Chef du Jour in the interim and doing fabulously, but now it is time for her to wow us all with her own solitary vision again. I cannot wait to see the menu, as it should hold all of the inventiveness I’ve seen before coupled with seasonal ingredients and a love of the craft.
See you all there, and let’s make this a truly powerful comeback with our support.
Ok, this is in my neck of the woods. Five minutes from my office. I’ve heard the name Jennifer James ever since returning to ABQ. How pricey are we talking here? Will lunch cost me a mortgage payment?
Comment by Rico — April 23, 2008 @ 9:37 am
Rico,
They are not doing lunch in the forseeable future, just dinner. This is not a casual restaurant – you can have a nice small meal for around $20, or a multi-course celebration reaching to the three digits when you add in beverages, etc.
So, it is excellent food, carefully crafted, and priced reasonably for those qualifications.
I hope that answers your question….
Comment by Andrea Lin — April 25, 2008 @ 8:15 am
I have been twice since the opening.
Excellent follow up to Jennifer James and Graze.
As at the previous restaurants everyone I have taken has been thrilled with the food, service and presentation.
The mushrrom soup like all of Jennifer’s soups is an unforgetable taste treat.
Last meal for 2 was $80 + tip.
Strawberry shortcake with black pepper ice cream is one of the greatest deserts of all time.
Comment by Kent — May 12, 2008 @ 12:49 pm
COGRATS!!! IT IS ABOUT TIME.
CAN’T WAIT FOR THE REAL DEAL.
shauna b.
Comment by S — May 14, 2008 @ 10:22 am
i meant congrats!!!hahaha
Comment by S — May 14, 2008 @ 10:23 am
Just finished my first real JJ meal and I am satisfied. 101 is located in a misplaced strip mall amongst a milieu of declining strip malls. I really really like food, and I will occasionally pay 20+ bucks for a main course. My prosciutto halibut entree tasted fantastic. Although small in size the premium ingredients made up for the overall portion size in spades. Each bite was decadent. My dining partner went for the chicken and was disappointed by the lack of taste, and subsequent value imbalance. If you go, do it up and your will cringe a lot less when you get the bill.
Comment by Mel — June 17, 2008 @ 9:18 pm
It was very upsetting to see in Journal’s review today that foie gras is served at this restaurant. I would have loved to try it, but the lack of concern for animal welfare is a deal breaker. I realize that we don’t know the way the animals were raised at most restaurants, but foie gras can only be acquired by torturing the geese.
Comment by Donna — July 25, 2008 @ 5:07 pm
Donna, you might want to see my earlier comment to another foie gras dissenter in a previous post (and that’s about all I need to say for now):
http://dukecityfood.com/2008/07/07/fwah-what/#comment-202
Comment by Andrea Lin — July 26, 2008 @ 9:07 pm
I just moved to ABQ and am happy and exited to try this restaurant. After spending 14 yrs in Paris I am also very happy to see that she is serving foie gras….bring on the sautern! I hope the wine list in good.
Comment by Deborah — November 15, 2008 @ 10:16 am
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