A seasoned international restaurateur and wine merchant, Jean-Michele Lacaze speaks of his native Bordeaux with affection, nostalgia and, in spite of living for 35 years in the USA, an unmistakable and charming French accent.

Jean-Michele is patriarch of a growing family enterprise in Middleburg that now includes both a café-restaurant and European style market. Without fail, he greets visitors with a warm "bonjour" and often lingers for conversation.

Well positioned on West Washington Street, Julien's Café Restaurant opened in April this year and has quickly become an important rest stop for the Village's lunch and dinner crowds.

Son Julien's influence and presence are felt throughout the establishment. His experience includes a lifetime of internship with his parents in previous restaurants and two years at a restaurant in Spain.

Classic items like oysters on the half shell, paté, mussels and croque monsieur are always available with a delicious club sandwich and a perfect New York style Reuben equally appealing.

Julien's staff already knows their regular customers by name, and many of those regulars already consider the restaurant their home away from home.

Francois Lacaze, Julien's mother, oversees the restaurant and market "from the front." She anchors the team as they serve busy lunch and evening seatings.

Young Julien's influence and presence are felt throughout. His experience, of course, includes a lifetime of internship with his parents, in previous restaurants and two years of experience at a restaurant in Spain. Even when the restaurant at full capacity, he displays a Zen-like order amidst the din.

Julien's European Market, which opened recently next door, now offers a selection of more than 120 wines from around the world, a dozen world class cheeses and hard-to-find gourmet delicacies like magret de canard and boudin noir.

"We try to offer good food and wine at good prices," Julien explained. "Fortunately our customers are responding well to what we offer."

Tailgating packages and catering are already well established, and Julien soon plans to introduce complete take-home meals.

"We are happy to be a part of the community," said Francois, "It means a lot to have roots, and we hope the roots we have set here in Middleburg will grow long and deep."

For reservations, please telephone 540 687 3123. Julien's is located at 3 West Washington Street, Middleburg VA.