If it’s been a while since you last dined at Jill’s, the light-filled restaurant on the first floor of the St Julien Hotel & Spa, it’s time to plan a lunch or dinner date.
The St Julien got a new executive chef when Rich Byers took the helm in 2021. Now, he’s created two brand new menus for lunch and dinner at Jill’s, with a focus on fresh, dynamic ingredients and scratch-made components. Under Byers’ direction, St Julien continues to partner with local farms, creameries and ranches, as well as take advantage of produce grown at its recently planted on-site garden.
I recently had the opportunity to sample some of his latest creations — these are a few of my favorites.
Korean-Sesame Wings
Made with ginger, garlic and gochujang, these breaded chicken wings pack a punch without being overpowering. They’re perfect for a light lunch or shared as an appetizer with friends.
STJ Chopped Salad
The St Julien’s version is what chopped salad dreams are made of. It’s the perfect, refreshing blend of romaine and iceberg lettuce, carrots, peas, candied bacon, tomato, pickled onion, cucumber, blue crumbles and crispy shallot, all topped with celery seed dressing.
Snake River Wagyu Burger
You can judge a restaurant by trying its burger — and Jill’s passes with flying colors. Made with melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef, this burger features cave-aged truffle cheese, black garlic aioli, Saba onion jam and fries on tuxedo brioche.
Crispy Eggplant Sandwich
The crispy eggplant in this flavorful, vegetarian sandwich pairs perfectly with the dill coleslaw and salsa verde, all served atop a light and airy brioche bun.
Wood Oven Parker House Rolls
As you peruse the rest of the dinner menu, stimulate your appetite with these decadent house rolls, served with garlic, rosemary, sea salt and Normandy butter.
Imported Italian Burrata
Though this creamy appetizer is meant to be shared with a dining partner, it’s so good you might just want to keep it to yourself. It’s served with fig jam, smoky salt and pepper, basil and chili flakes for a salty, sweet, slightly spicy combo.
Moroccan Eggplant Hash
Fortunately for many Boulder County residents, Jill’s has some amazing vegan options, including this Moroccan eggplant has made with sweet potato, chickpea, almond Romesco, basil, onion and toasted pepitas.
Roasted Crystal Valley ½ Chicken
Craving a meal of comfort food, with a twist? Go for this roasted half-chicken, prepared with guajillo jus, southwest spoonbread and charred carrots.
Petit Filet Au Poivre
A true treat after a long day (or week) of work, this steak has a cracked pepper crust and is topped with cognac cream. The lyonnaise potato and haricot verts also up the French ante of this dish, too.
