Jaja Bistro

Thank you for visiting our bistro. I apologize for what you describe as having a "horrible" expierience. We take all concerns seriously and wish to address your experience. Your arrival time of 7 o'clock turned out to be great timing. Despite arriving at the busiest time during the weekend for any Denver-metro restaurant, we just had two tables leave, in our otherwise packed restaurant, and were in the process of cleaning and resetting. Within minutes you were served 2 excellent choices from what you describe as our "limited" wine list. At any given time our wine list is comprised of 30-34 selections chosen specifically for the season and to complement every dish on our revolving menu. Currently we offer 32 wines from France, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, California, Washington and even Denver (see Infinite Monkey's full-page feature in this months' 5280). Due to your wine knowledge you certainly appreciate that our great wines are also an incredible value as we have never instituted the standard industry markup. Wine should not be precious. It should be approachable and we want people to drink and enjoy it. We have no interest in an impressive list of size that only speaks to excess.

One thing that chef, Stephan Poullier, does insist on is that, unlike is most American restaurants, we do not serve bread as an appetizer. We do serve our freshly baked baguette as a vehicle for lapping up leftover sauces and dressings from the plate (ie: the hard-cider, shallot sauce served with our complimentary stuffed dates). Butter is provided happily upon request.

Yes, Our house salad is just that. A house salad. Not the iceberg variety served with pink tomatoes and ranch dressing. Rather, as our menu described, it is organic mixed baby greens, tossed with our housemade balsamic vinaigrette and topped with vine tomatoes, marinated artichokes and housemade croutons. If it was something other than the house salad that would have been preferred, perhaps one of the three other delicious salads we offer would have sufficed.

I am sorry you felt that your "check please" comment was met with argument. Your server was simply trying to ask if you were sure you wouldnt stay as your dinners were being prepared and would be out shortly. Had you stayed to enjoy them, the entire dining experience would have lasted 1 1/2 - 2 hours. Fast by European standards but precisely the dining experience our many new, and oft-returning customers praise us for. They appreciate that they can relax and enjoy the company of their friends and family without feeling that they are being rushed through their meal in the restaurants effort to turn a table.

We realize that we are not a fit for everyone but do apologize that your experience was less than expected. One word of advice, if I may. So many glances at your watch during the course of one hour can only serve to make your dinner companion feel less than compelling.

Posted 10/20/09 | Report Abuse

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Arrived around 7, no reservation. Smelled wonderful upon entering. Seating took a few minutes despite open tables. Water and menus brought by a pleasant server. Decided order (my wife is indecisive and usually doesn't decide until server is ready to take order) before bread made it to our table without butter. Ordered wine (limited menu) and dinner at the same time. She orders house salad and agneau; I order the foie and a steak au poivre. Wine arrives. At roughly 7:40 a complimentary petite assiette arrives with apology for delay; kitchen backed up. Stuffed dates are good but not stellar. 7:59 first course arrives. I asked for the check, get argument from server. I tell the server foie only takes two minutes to cook, bring me the check. Cancel the rest. We ate our first course. The foie was good but nothing like Europe. Her house salad was a house salad. Check arrives, just shy of $60. Finally, a positive note, only a $1 a minute to sit here instead of the $2 a minute we would have spent had this been a well-run kitchen. Go home, have already breathing 2002 Chateau du Courneau with some fine cheese. Very nice recovery.

Posted 10/17/09 | Report Abuse

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I highly recommend JaJa's. Its a cute little house turned into a quaint french bistro. The cook is French and makes absolutely mouth-melting authentic French cuisine. The wait staff is adorably friendly and helpful. Amazing wine list. Must try the stuffed dates! I took my mom and sister there when they were in town because its is one of my fav restaurants in all of Denver.

Posted 03/15/09 | Report Abuse

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What a gift JaJa's is to all of us lucky enough to have eaten there. It's become my place of choice for every special occasion: Mom comes to visit; completing a project; a chance to catch up with a great friend; introducing the place to a neighbor; converting a former "French avoider" to admit a return trip was a must (a HUGE success). Or ... I just want to have dinner there!

The food is exceptional. The menu is presented on a board, the atmosphere is a small home which seems more like having dinner with friends. The service (sorry, I've forgotten her name) was comparable to any five-star restaurant I've been to. You'll know her when you get there, she's knowlegable, very cute, and her personality absolutely sparkles. The wine is very nice/affordable too! And save some room for their homemade grapefruit cello.

The only downside is that it's a bit noisy, particularly when large parties are there. So I tend to go early or late, when it's a bit quieter.
Cheers to one and all for a great bistro. Can't wait to go back.

Posted 01/05/09 | Report Abuse

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This intimate, authentic French hideaway located in downtown Littleton, is everything you expect when thinking of a French Bistro. The food is exquisite with the menu presented to each table on a chalk board which changes daily with fresh offerings. Stephan, the owner and chef is from France and he does a wonderful job with each dish. Each menu choice is described by the friendly waiting staff who are more than happy to recommend a glass of wine to complement your food. Delectable..Bon Appetit!!

Posted 10/02/08 | Report Abuse

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