The story
In the heart of Albany, Juanita & Maude is the personal project of co-owners Scott Eastman and Ariane Owens. Their combined experience and ambition created a restaurant that feels both polished and welcoming. The space, open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, has earned a Michelin recommendation, a nod to the kitchen’s consistent, thoughtful approach to contemporary cuisine.
The menu changes with the seasons, drawing from a broad palette of influences. A starter of Crostini Matrimonio layers boquerones and Spanish anchovies on tomato toast with roasted and pickled peppers. The ceviche mixto brings shrimp, octopus, and yellowtail in a spicy leche de tigre, served with taro chips. Larger plates show similar range: Pimentón chicken comes with almond-hazelnut romesco, fingerling potatoes, and blue lake beans; steelhead salmon is paired with eggplant caponata, pine nuts, and golden raisins. The Maude burger #32, topped with Point Reyes blue cheese and strawberry-bacon jam, has become something of a signature.
Desserts and snacks round out the offering. A chocolate and pistachio cannoli with cardamom and kataifi sits alongside a rhubarb entremet with lemon basil cake and rose hip jam. The drinks list is curated to match, and the kitchen also offers a full to-go menu for those who prefer to eat at home.
Juanita & Maude accommodates parties of up to ten and sells gift certificates in person or by phone. The restaurant is also available for takeaway and delivery, with outdoor seating and wheelchair access.
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