Hello Foodie Friends,
I received an invite to check out Juniper on the Water, located in Hallandale Beach, on the Intracoastal Waterway. This hidden gem is a great waterfront venue ideal for group events such as wedding rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, day after wedding brunch and corporate team building/client appreciation events.
About a year ago, owners Scott, Sho and Chris put their heads together and transformed an industry passion into reality. Juniper, meaning strength and “to bloom or flourish”, symbolizes the vision, heart and culinary passion combined by the owners.
Scott and Sho had been in the hospitality field for many years and learned every aspect of the restaurant business by working their way up the ranks. It seemed a likely progression for them to take this next step in opening a restaurant of their very own. “It really helps you learn when you start at the very bottom and learn from both the good and bad experiences,” says Scott.
The duo quickly crafted the idea and space for Juniper on the Water, and after 18 months of renovation, the restaurant opened its doors, emitting a warm and welcoming atmosphere to all. Juniper has a one-of-a-kind understated elegance, quite different from any other restaurant in the South Florida area. Besides the magnificent view, its upscale, Mediterranean, American and Seafood influences add the right touch of refinement, while its beach-like feel instantly helps diners feel at ease.
My dinner companion and I decided on a bottle of Rodney Strong Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley to take us through our appetizers and entrees. I would say that it was just about perfect, although had it been served slightly chilled, it would have been perfect, in my opinion.
Our first appetizer was the burrata cheese served with farm fresh tomatoes, micro basil, with a balsamic reduction over mixed greens & arugula. The tomatoes and micro basil and mixed greens were dressed nicely and were tasty. The buratta was a little small for two people to share and wasn’t as flavorful and robust as the ones I am accustomed to having.
Large head-on prawns; served with a spiced romesco, micro cilantro, and grilled lemon. My companion and I both really enjoyed this dish. The charred lemon was a nice touch and I enjoyed the added layer of freshly squeezed citrus over the prawns.
The braised lamb au jus with dried cranberries served over a creamy polenta was one of my favorite dishes of the evening. The lamb was so flavorful and tender it fell right off the bone and I just loved each bite of the polenta and au jus.
The house specialty, the Seafood Paella, (toasted Israeli couscous, clams, mussels, shrimp, fresh fish fillet, chorizo, green peas, & roasted bell peppers) was a flavorful mix representing Juniper’s Mediterranean culture and is an absolute MUST.
Juniper on the Water is open Monday – Thursday: 4pm – 10pm; Friday – Saturday: 4pm – 11pm
Sunday Brunch: 11am – 3pm and Sun Dinner: 4pm – 10pm; Dinner Menu starts at 5pm daily; Happy Hour from 4pm – 7pm daily.
They are located beside The Hemispheres condos at 1975 S. Ocean Drive, Hallandale Beach. For more info or to make a reservation, call: 954.544.3370 or visit their website juniperonthewater.com.
Until we eat again…
I send you delicious wishes, xo
Denise
