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I joined a group of friends at J's for a birthday
brunch on 8/11/2002. I had heard many good things
about the restaurant from many people, and was
eager to try it out for myself. I'm also very
fond of breakfast eating - folks who prefer
"continental breakfast", especially folks in other
countries who do not consider breakfast to be a
real meal, are very much missing out on the joys
of morning repast.
That said, I am always on the lookout for good
breakfast spots. J's now officially ranks amongst
the top tier of said breakfast spots.
Upon arriving at the Nashoba Winery, the first
thing one notices is that you're out in the middle
of nowhere. The restaurant is nestled in a humble
farmhouse, just off the road and smack in the
middle of rows of orchards and farm fields.
Though it was a bit hazy when I was there, the
view was still quite impressive. I ended up
chatting with one of my friends who had also
arrived a little early, and was treated to the
sight of one of the chefs walking out from the
kitchen, down to the garden below the parking lot,
to clip fresh herbs to use in that morning's
preparations.
When you see that sort of thing right in front of
you like that, you know you're in for some good
eating. And indeed, this was the case.
The interior of the restaurant is very charming
and comfortable, and the tables are laden with
very classy dishware and silverware. The brunch
buffet is laid out in two adjoining rooms, and
varies from week to week; this particular time
we were treated to:
French toast, savory peach salad, Mediterranean
spinach bread with artichoke heart/pecan/grape
salad, tortellini salad, bacon and sausage, zesty
deviled eggs, for dessert: fresh sliced fruits,
lemon squares and other bar cookies. A very
Summer menu.
Every item in the buffet was memorable and
scrumptious. The brunch itself really only lacked
a staple of all great brunches - a nice carving
station with some juicy ham or roast. It would
have also been nice to see a little more chocolate
at the dessert table, perhaps some chocolate
covered fruits.
Service was spectacularly brisk and efficient, and
(should you be lucky enough to be seated near a
window) the outdoor view of the winery and
orchards is very refreshing - but I would have
traded the piped in music over speakers for a
string quartet placed strategically in the
restaurant someplace.
At approximately fifteen dollars for buffet
breakfast, the value at J's can hardly be denied;
and it's popularity is also undeniable - you
definitely must call ahead to make reservations,
as the brunch frequently sells out. I'll surely
be making more trips out to Bolton in the very
near future to enjoy breakfast again...
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