Juanita & Maude

Juanita & Maude offers refined American cuisine and cocktails in a cozy, art-filled setting - in Albany, California

Leaving Napa after a late lunch at Bistro Jeanty, I expected a smooth, scenic drive to Berkeley. Instead, I was introduced to the uniquely frustrating experience of Bay Area traffic. By the time I finally arrived and found parking, I was frayed. Nothing is more annoying to me than leaving on time – to arrive on time – and traffic makes me late.

But then, I stepped inside Juanita & Maude, and it was as if a reset button had been pressed.

Dinner with Jessica always has that effect. She’s one of those people who makes every conversation feel both grounding, relevant, touching and sees me for who I am as an artist.  Our friendship is the kind that sharpens me, softens me, and motivates me to be a better human.

To start, we shared a bowl of MARINATED CASTELVETRANO & KALAMATA OLIVES, served alongside a crusty FRENCH BOULE & MEYER LEMON-DILL BUTTER.

I ordered the I WONDER cocktail (lime marmalade & charred poblano gimlet / habanero salt).  It was bold, balanced, and exactly the kind of drink that makes me forget it’s alcohol free. It didn’t taste like I was drinking fruit juice in a cup. This tasted crafted.

For dinner, I went straight for the PAN-ROASTED HALIBUT & FINGERLING POTATO CHOWDER (bacon lardons, confit celery & fennel, cream & clam liquor broth, fines herbes). This was fantastic. Jessica had a taste – as she’d been curious. We both loved it.

By the end of the night, the long drive, the parking stress, and the honking of horns were a distant memory.

What stayed with me was the warmth of the room, the thoughtfulness of the food, and the joy of sharing a table with someone who makes the world feel clearer and more connected.

Plus, I learned about this art piece, by Karen LaMonte. Brilliant.

- -