LR Friends
Coming Up Rozes With Julia Jaksic
Croatian by blood with roots in Milwaukee, Chicago and New York, Julia brought the best of everything to Nashville, Tennessee, her home of more than a decade. Her two restaurants, Cafe Roze and Roze Pony, have both become neighborhood mainstays, infused with Julia’s singular charm, her culinary ingenuity, and the passion for hospitality with which she was raised. This fall, as we open up our own Nashville shop, spend a sunny afternoon with Julia split between her flagship restaurant and home kitchen as she shares her thoughts on finding your bliss, must-have menu items and her guide to Music City, self-styled in pieces from our collection.
Photography by Victoria Quirk
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On Influence & Inspiration
"For a long time, I attributed my grandmother’s knowledge and passion for cooking as the biggest influences on me. I now see that it was more than just that: her graciousness and care for not only preparing food but taking care of her family and friends is what has led me down this path.
"At a very young age, she essentially taught me the true meaning of hospitality. The kindness, generosity and care you put into a meal starts with ingredients but carries through to the connection and love that is at the table."
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On Becoming
"Being a chef wasn’t a dream or even a career I had in mind! But every time I tried to take a turn down a different path, it always led me back to the same place. After a while, I stopped resisting and realized I not only had a knack but a passion for cooking.
"If there’s one piece of advice I’d give, it’s to slow down and move towards things that feel personal, comfortable and effortless."
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On Nashville
"Someone once told me that Nashville is a town built on creativity. I always think of this and am constantly inspired by this city. Even though we’ve seen a lot of change over the last few years, there is still a very strong thread of creativity that is kind and giving. I’ve always felt a beautiful sense of community and support here; it’s wonderful to connect with other food and beverage folks in a very honest and real way."
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On The Perfect Dinner Party
"I love to throw a dinner party! Luckily, moving to Nashville has afforded me a little more kitchen and table space than I had in my NYC days.
"I always have snacks out for guests; everyone enjoys picking on salty treats when they arrive. I also plan meals that can be primarily made ahead and only require a quick reheat, toss and garnish. I want to spend as much time as possible being present and connecting with my guests.
"And don’t forget to leave a carafe of water out for everyone to hydrate!"
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On Her Hosting Outfit
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On Her Restaurants' Best Dishes
"At Cafe Roze, I am loving our new fall Waffle with Roasted Apples, Apple Butter and Cider Maple Syrup. And after proclaiming I would never put a veggie burger on my menu, alas, the Falafel Smash has been in heavy rotation for lunch. At night, I’m always ordering the Beetroot Tartar and our Poached Salmon with Banyuls beurre blanc.
"When I am at Roze Pony, my heavy rotation includes the mortadella sando during the day. We also do a lot of house-made pastries, and I can’t stop eating our Tahini Brownies. At night, it’s always oysters and our bucatini. We also do a Baby Alaska with homemade Fior di Latte gelato and toasted meringue — to die for!"
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On Her Neighborhood Spots
"There are so many incredible stops in Nashville! As the city continues to grow, so does my list of places to visit. But here are some of my tried-and-true places I adore:
1. I spend most mornings at Cornelia Fort Air Park, a former private airport. It is now part of the Shelby Bottoms complex, a greenway that spans 17 miles in East Nashville.
2. Whenever I’m in need of some blooms for myself or a quick gift for a friend, I go to FLWR Shop, where there are always gorgeous arrangements.
3. My favorite place to see live music is hands-down the Ryman Auditorium, a former tabernacle nicknamed the Mother Church of Country Music.
4. Spread Market is a fun shop in Germantown that has sourdough and a great selection of market items and wine. Love that I can buy pre-sliced packs of Lady Edison ham there.
5. My abbreviated lists of restaurants: Peninsula, Locust, Folk, Alebrije, Mama Bread, Bastion and Bricktop’s.
6. A newer addition is Groceries, Etc., a great new listening bar in East Nashville. It’s tucked into a cozy attic space with all the vibes — and records. And right below is my go-to shop for beauty, Lemon Laine."
