Diners Lament: Julia’s Is Closing
Posted by John Lang on November 4, 2009 · 2 Comments
It’s a sad day for the gourmet.
Julia’s Casual Fine Dining Restaurant in Centreville will be closing at the end of December, it was announced today.
Proprietors David and Valerie Clark said their decision to close Julia’s was based in part on their wanting to spend more time with their son Ethan, 4, who is starting kindergarten next year.
“We have been fortunate with talented and dedicated staff and the unwavering support of our families, both of which have contributed to Julia’s success. But it’s time we focus more on the needs of our family,” David said.
At the same time, David is helping to open a new 180-seat waterfront restaurant, Bistro 321, opening next to the Jetty at Kent Narrows in Grasonville. He will be the executive chef.
Target date for the opening is next March. Plans are also in the works to build a banquet facility next to the restaurant. David said, “I am excited and motivated about Bistro 321. The menu will focus on contemporary American faire, so my style will be a perfect fit, however on a much larger scale than Julia’s.
Julia’s, located at 122 N. Commerce St., opened in March 2003 and won a four-star review from the Baltimore Sun the next year. It is a three-time Zagat award winner.
The last day of operation will be its annual New Year’s Eve dinner, which includes six courses and a champagne toast at midnight.
Fabulous food, and though I’m anything but a ‘regular,’ I hate to see it go. Hope David’s next gig is as wonderful both for him and for diners
We tried several times on our way back from Washington or Annapolis to eat a delicious dinner at Julia’s. Each time we were greeted by a condescending host/ess who asked if we had a reservation (when the place was empty) and were refused seating since we didn’t. So we never had the opportunity to try out the fabulous food. The owner’s next venue will be quite different, I suspect from Julia’s, in that he’s serving “contemporary American faire” to a much larger crowd. Hope it goes well.