Julian’s is not new.  It’s been around for a few years, but it recently came under new ownership, and the new owners are doing some cool things to the place.  The biggest improvement they are making is to remodel the entire bar area.  Previously, the bar looked cool, but it wasn’t really practical.  I have not seen the new bar area, but I know it’s going to be a lot bigger and offer more seating than the few low couches and tables that they had before.

The food at Julian’s is very good, and luckily, I don’t think the new owners plan on changing the menu.  My favorite thing is the Cune Special, one of their Health Bowls, which consists of brown rice, shrimp, chicken, and veggies served with your choice of sauce.  Personally, I love it with shrimp and scallops instead of chicken, and the Teriyaki sauce.  I am getting hungry just thinking about it!  Other great choices include the Julian’s Spicy Chicken, the Honey Seared Shrimp, and the Filet Medallions topped with Gorgonzola.

Aside from the good food, Julian’s also offers a nice selection of beers, wines, and martinis.  I had my first ever Leinenkugel here, which marked the start of a very special relationship between me and my new favorite wheat beer.

Be sure to head over to Julian’s for lunch or dinner.  For lunch try the Cune Special or Spicy Chicken.  For dinner I’d recommend the Filet Medallions that I mentioned earlier, and definitely one of their special martinis.  That would be the perfect way to unwind after a long day of Christmas shopping.  Check out Julian’s menu online at www.juliansintyler.com (their annoying Flash website is not a good representation of the restaurant).

The boutique itself is small, private and lushly decorated in rich fabrics in shades of black and white.  The clothing has an edgy feel with lots of distressed denim, embellished tees, and sequined dresses.  Heart & Soul even offers True Religion

sunglasses and a small selection of footwear and blinged out jewelry and belt buckles.  If there was a Real Housewives of Tyler reality show, I have a feeling they would do their shopping here.  Though clothing here is on the expensive side, with some pairs of jeans costing up to the $300 point, there are also reasonably priced items in the store to fit all budgets.

We would like to wish Heart & Soul the best of luck, and we hope they are around for years to come!  They offer a shopping experience previously unavailable to us Tylerites.  It’s definitely worth a look for anyone in the area.

When Cimarron first opened, they billed themselves as a tapas restaurant, meaning small plates, small portions…  The first of its kind in Tyler.  My husband and I heard about it and were immediately drawn in.  We loved it and declared immediately that it was our new favorite place to eat in Tyler.  I mean how many places around here can you get duck cakes or dilled cheese puffs? (Jimmy, if you are listening, PLEASE bring back the cheese puffs!  They were fab!)  Anyhow, I digress…  Cimarron offered an innovative menu for Tyler, and they were the first restaurant to offer ‘small plates’.  Definitely a first for East Texas but welcomed with open arms as evidenced by the large crowds drawn to Cimarron on any weekend night.

Months went by, and Cimarron, addressing, what in my opinion, was a HUGE need in Tyler, decided to change their menu (for the second time – the first was when the dilled cheese puffs were eliminated).  But this time they offered a fair trade…  They started serving sushi.  Not just any sushi (hello Brookshire’s), but good sushi!  Try the Jimmy roll -  It’s awesome!  Also, I can’t let a Cimarron review pass me by without mentioning the drinks.  Cimarron seems to be just as much a bar as a restaurant…  Just take a look at the place.  The horseshoe shaped, large, granite bar counter top speaks for itself.  They offer a great wine selection, as well as specialty martinis and every other liquor concoction you could possibly want. Wednesday night is Ladies night and the place is packed, and the drinks are half priced.

Anyhow, my whole purpose here is to tell you about the Halloween party.  Apparently, this has been the place to spook and be spooked (or spooked in a sexy way, depending on your costume) for the past two years.  This year’s festivities include live music by Something Blue, drink specials for the ladies, and costume contests.  The place is decorated in its spooky garb, and it looks great.  Come out and party with your fellow Tylerites…  That is, if you can recognize them with their costumes on!

Cimarron
5201 S Broadway Ave
Tyler, TX 75703-3799
(903) 939-2200