There were a few gasps as Broadsheet Access members walked into Julie, the sibling restaurant to Cam’s Kiosk, also located in Abbotsford Convent. Julie is one of the year’s most exciting openings, but seeing the heritage dining room in person – with its butter-yellow tiles and mint green walls – was something else.

Julie opens on September 14, but members were lucky enough to experience it a full week prior at our Editors’ Preview night.

Once everyone was seated, tables were filled with plates of warm dinner rolls and fluffy whipped butter; Sydney Rock oysters; asparagus topped with goats cheese; and a silky tuna crudo. After that came a standout octopus ragu with anelletti, almost reminiscent of elevated, adult spaghetti-os.

Between courses, we heard from head chef Julieanne Blum and Broadsheet editor Ruby Harris. There were laughs and smiles around the room as they chatted about the process of bringing Julie to life and the importance of the restaurant’s edible garden.

The evening finished off with a comforting roast chicken, leaves and roasted veggies from the garden; and a chocolate mousse that was so good it deserves a place on the permanent menu.

Want to come along to our next Editors’ Preview night? Join Broadsheet Access to hear about our next event first.