Trish, Anne and Dina are the Whatever the Weather Girls; Long term friends in the early Autumn years of their lives, on a mission to explore the restaurants and vibe of Liverpool each month – whatever the weather, whatever our circumstances. This week… Justino’s.
This month Tricia, Dina and I met at Brunswick Station to drive down the riverside on a lovely sunny, spring like day to the leafy suburbs of South Liverpool. We were heading for the Italian Restaurant, Justino’s on Aigburth Rd. It was easy to park on the road at the side of the restaurant and how inviting it looked . The restaurant takes up two old shops and has been designed to be in keeping with the old Edwardian grandeur of the surrounding buildings but with a modern twist.
On entering the restaurant we were warmly welcomed and shown to our window table and given the menus. The restaurant is quite large and can take up to 90 covers , pleasant background music was playing which added to the atmosphere but didn’t detract from us catching up on the news we had to share and discuss. The restaurant is very tastefully furnished, with wooden tables and alternate gold and teal velvet seats with gold studs to add to the stylishness.
Justino’s: the owners and their ethos
Justino is the owner and came to introduce himself. He is Cuban and has owned and managed several restaurants all over the world in the past. This is his latest venture and the food is Italian based with a Mediterranean twist, to give an added variety. Justino explained that his aim is to create a family atmosphere hence there are some simpler dishes on the menu that may appeal to children and the reason there are no tablecloths on the tables, (so no need to worry kids if spills happen, that goes for us adults too!)
When describing his ideas, it was clear that Justino was the consummate professional taking pride in his work and wanting his customers to have the most enjoyable experience they can. His staff are there to please. On Friday evenings he has introduced live music.
The food is all fresh (with the exception of the French Fries) and as locally sourced as possible. Justino said his chefs work very hard and can be up to 10 hours in the kitchens preparing the food to achieve the best possible tastes and presentation.
THE DRINKS
Tricia ordered a Bacardi with diet coke and a splash of soda. Dina kept on her gin theme with a Liverpool Gin and tonic whilst I had a mocktail as I was driving. There was a good selection of non alcoholic drinks. Mine was a pink lemonade with cranberry juice , apple juice and grenadine and a dash of soda so it was not too sweet. It was adorned with many raspberries (enough for a dessert and delicious). The drinks menu was very extensive and I’m sure there will be something for everyone’s taste.
THE FOOD
For starters Dina ordered the Bruschetta Fungi from the vegan menu which she declared to be utterly delicious as it was made with several varieties of mushrooms and sautéed with garlic and herbs. Tricia ordered the Justino’s scallops served with prawns in a parmesan and mustard creamy sauce. Her face said it all about how mouth wateringly gorgeous it was . Indeed if only you went on looks alone it was fantastic. I had panfried King prawns in a chilli, garlic and lemon white wine sauce served on a crostini. This too was was well presented and tasted supreme.
So far so good for us gastronomes, bring on the mains.
I ordered Salmon al Pepe: a large salmon steak cooked in a pink peppercorn sauce and served with asparagus. The peppercorns gave this dish a more delicate flavour than one would expect and brought out the flavour of the salmon rather than overpowering it. I couldn’t resist the French fries to have with it. Tricia had the Risotto alle Verdure with chicken. The risotto included peppers, onions, asparagus, chilli, spinach and mushrooms cooked in a white wine , creamy sauce. A veritable feast of flavours declared Tricia. It was certainly a more than generous portion and defeated her but not because she didn’t enjoy it.
Dina chose a vegan lasagne which was cooked with quorn and vegan cheese. She certainly was not disappointed and enjoyed every mouthful. Sometimes, Dina finds it hard to find a vegan dish to suit her palette but that certainly was not the case at Justino’s . She was impressed with the choices she had.
Although Tricia and I were replete we did manage to find room for a dessert. Tricia had Tiramisu her favourite sweet and savoured every mouthful. I had Creme Brulee and crunched my way through the brittle toffee and custardly delight just how I like it.
To finish the gals had a limoncello – bellissimo!!!
THE CHATTER
We had loads to catch up on as we hadn’t met up since before Christmas. Dina gave Tricia and I chakra bracelets, as we all need to take care of our health, many thanks D mine certainly will be on everyday. I brought Dina’s little birthday gift, a few spa type toiletries and a little bouquet from my garden. Pampering ourselves is a must.
I was a little distracted by Dina’s gorgeous crystal bracelet and necklace it was certainly glittery, keep sparkling girl. Her husband had given it to her for Christmas and had also been doing Veganuary for her. I am doing Dry January and have managed it but I am looking forward to Feb 1st , had enough now.
Dina has also made a New Years resolution not to buy any new clothes this year all in the ethos of the 3 R’s (reduce, reuse and recycle.) My charity buy this time was a blue cape I got in the Cotswolds, great buys there.
Tricia told us about a friend of hers who is doing dog sitting around the world. That sounds a brilliant idea.
More importantly we wish Dina’s daughter well as she has had to have a surgical procedure. All good wishes go to Jen.
Lots of world events have happened as well – Australian fires, earthquakes and viruses. What is happening?
THE VERDICT
The drinks 10 – great choice
The food definitely a 10 -fabulous choices and exquisite tastes. All of us were extremely pleased with our lunch.
The service 10 – staff friendly and not too intrusive but aiming to please.
The Ambience 10 – background music not too intrusive , decor luxurious especially those Jo Malone toiletries in the restroom yet still managing to be family friendly.
AND FINALLY…..
Justino’s is certainly the Jewel in the Crown for South Liverpool. You lucky people in Aigburth can easily visit this fab venue. If you don’t live nearby it is certainly worth a trip. Another gem for Liverpool and its surrounding areas.
Trish, Anne and Dina are ‘Whatever The Weather Girls’; three women in our fifties on a mission to explore the restaurants and vibe of Liverpool each month – whatever the weather, whatever our circumstances.
