Joxer Holywood
Joxer Holywood is a quaint, fantastically decorated bistro with a beautiful large, open front yet intimacy that suggests a homeliness. It is situated in the far end of town, up the hill and away from the hustle and bustle of Holywood’s main street.
Not much detail can be found in relation to the Aedan and Lynsey signing off on their website, however, I feel as if I heard or read somewhere that they are brother and sister, which could be completely untrue. They aim to provide an “intimate setting” in which local produce is served in continental styles. Joxer the name itself could be reference to the trustworthy companion found in the TV series Xena: Warrior Princess. If that is in fact true, that only adds more character to an already charismatic eatery.
On the recommendation of a friend Joxer was visited for brunch. There were no tables available so there was a bit of a wait. Having worked in hospitality before I know a wait can be inevitable, but it was a little cold outside and outside was where one had to wait. But alas, my recommendation held my diner impatience at bay and I was willing to wait however long it would take.
I am happy to say that the wait was worth it. We ordered the steak tacos with fresh avocado, lime crema, pico de gallo, charred corn, red jalapenos, and coriander as well as the Korean fried chicken burger with green goddess sauce, Asian spiced slaw served in a brioche bun with “Joxer” fries. In addition, out of pure greed, I ordered garlic butter chips. A feed indeed.
The steak tacos were delightful. I was prompted with only being allowed rare or well done which I can only put down to the chef having too many being sent back by customers potentially. I was happy to go with rare, however, during their consumption, I would have argued parts were at times blue and not quite rare. Their saving grace in not being sent back was how delicious the Corries steak was, so I powered through. The avocado and lime crema was playful cutting through all else with its freshness and bringing out the full flavour in the steak. The charred corn and jalapenos giving the right amount smokiness and spice to complement the acid punch of the pico de gallo and coriander. A well balanced and seasoned dish without even mention of the tortillas, which honestly I forgot existed with their contents in play.
The Korean fried chicken burger was wonderful. The coating was crisp and herbaceous, the chicken moist which is often the greatest possible downfall of a fried chicken sandwich. The Asian slaw right amounts creamy and acidic to cut through the fattyness of chicken which was definitely thigh meat, the best. Something otherwise in play made me call my sanity into question however. The green goddess sauce was likely the culprit. There was something clearly different, something not usually paired with Korean fried chicken that was working perfectly but would beggar belief if spoken aloud. On investigation, goddess sauce can include herbs such as tarragon, basil or coriander, which is what I could taste coming through which I in my confusion thought was something as extreme as dill. It worked amazingly and will make me pass my friend’s recommendation on with gusto.
The garlic chips were soaked in the garlic butter as if tossed unlike at times having it plopped on top only to hit some or seep through all to the bottom much to one’s disappointment. The “Joxer” fries were the only thing that did let down all else, could definitely be more punch to the house seasoning, some more umami and kick.
I look forward to visit Joxer some time in the future, this time for dinner. I felt comfortable, well looked after, and satisfied on leaving, thinking fondly of the time spent there.
