Django Restaurant

I have now enjoyed Django’s food and atmosphere three times for dinner, and have been pleased with each visit. I highly recommend the steak and frites, but don’t be afraid to be adventurous as each menu item sampled has been a treat, from a sampler appetizer tray filled with seafood delights to the delectable options on the late night menu. There’s a nice wine selection, too. Your guests or clients will be pleased; one of my out-of-town guests proclaimed it to be the best meal she’d had in some time. The wait staff has proven to be friendly and knowledgeable, and it’s not unusual for chef and owner George Formaro to be seen in the room checking to be sure that diners are satisfied. Some parts of the restaurant are more conducive to having a quiet conversation than others; ask for a table in the corner behind the bar or a booth if you are especially concerned about this. I recommend parking in the ramp located south and west of Django on Mulberry Street; it’s no-hassle indoor parking less than a block from the restaurant door.

Took advantage of Restaurant Week to enjoy some discounted lunch at Django’s, our first time there. We first tried the thin-sliced Django Onion Rings with three sauces, and they were perfectly prepared and delicious. We then ordered the Django Salad and the special Salmon penne pasta with tomato, red onions, capers, in a wonderful dill sauce. The service couldn’t have been better either. We’ll definitely be back for a dinner next time.

The First impression was the Snobby Hostess who seemed to be in a text war with her boyfriend, with no care about what was going on around her. Second, the Oysters Smelled so bad, we returned them without replacing them. Third Strike, chicken was dry and TASTELESS !!

I will start by saying I’ve heard mixed reviews about Django’s restaurant side. My Bestest and I went for a Happy Hour drink or four and some oysters so that’s all I can comment on at this point. I read on their website “Djoin us Mon-Fri from 4-6pm for happy hour! Build your own seafood plateau from our raw bar with $1 oysters and $1 shrimps, or enjoy 1/2 price cheese and charcuterie plates. And don’t forget the libations! Happy Hour features $5 martinis, specialty cocktails and champagne!” OKAY! You had me at 1/2 price cheese…

Walked in at around 4pm for the beginning of HH. I felt quite under-dressed even though the place was pretty vacant. Nothing like a little mood lighting at four in the afternoon with bartenders in vests and suspenders. I was impressed, but I’m a pushover for that sort of stuff. We ponied up to the bar, were greeted and given a breakdown of the HH specials even though I already had our order planned. Two house martinis (one vodka, one gin), a cheese and charcuterie plate, and a half dozen oysters. Django boasts “French cuisine without the attitude” and I would say that’s accurate at least for the attitude.

A total of six martinis later we were a happy couple. Minus the loud “private” party behind us this was a successful HH. The cheese and meat plate were just what we needed. Came with a variety of olives, fresh fruit, and some flat bread. The cheeses and meats change on a semi-regular basis, but you get two or three of each. Had headcheese for the first time. Nothing to compare it to, but not to shabby. Have to say this is the best martini deal I have run across in a long time. Five bucks for top shelf Grey Goose and Magellan martinis with bleu cheese stuffed olives, solid.

I’m still undecided whether or not I’ll visit Djano for a dinner date. Maybe I should quit while I’m ahead. Anyone have advice on the rest of the Djano goods? If you’re looking for a solid happy time between the hours of 4 and 6pm then I will meet you there.