The décor was lush yet simple, our table covered in a
peach-colored linen tablecloth holding crisp white linen napkins
and a single fresh rose in a vase, with a dark gray cornice
resting above the large window.
Dozens of bottles of wine were displayed in a
climate-controlled wine cellar and other unenclosed wine racks. I
also spied oversized, inviting, booths at the other end of the
dining room.
We ordered coffee and settled back to enjoy our surroundings
for a few minutes before visiting the buffet. The ambience lends
itself to relaxing and taking your time.
The quality and quantity of food was just right. Nothing was
filler and everything fit well with the next dish.
Of all the tasty treats available at the buffet, my favorite
may have been the Caesar salad. A large platter of crisp romaine
lettuce was displayed alongside Caesar dressing and a myriad of
toppings, including crunchy croutons, salmon, salty anchovies,
piquant minced garlic, thin slices of red onion, fresh-grated
parmesan cheese and tangy capers.
Also high atop my long list of delectable items at the
Harborside Bistro buffet was the cheese plate. Served aside
bias-cut slices of crusty French bread were several domestic and
imported cheeses, including bleu cheese, Brie, cheddar and a goat
cheese topped with herbs that was fabulous. My friend Julie and I
both thought it might be too early in the day for such a strong
cheese, but it turned out to be just the thing to start the meal.
Fresh fruit abounded, as well as freshly baked croissants and a
blueberry coffee cake. The menu outside had stipulated muffins,
scones and assorted pastries, but none were to be found. In the
end, they weren't really missed, as there were so many other
scrumptious goodies to sample.
The downfall of most buffets is the hot items. No such problems
at Harborside Bistro, as we enjoyed scrambled eggs, buttermilk
pancakes, hash browns, eggs benedict, sausage, bacon and ham.
Everything got high marks from our group. The most exceptional
items were the flavorful maple smoked bacon and savory hash
browns, but nothing here was lacking.
After all that delectable food, we were still ready to go back
and sample the desserts. To our delight, we returned to our table
to find our previous plates whisked away, our napkins refolded
neatly, and our coffees refilled. It was a reflection of the
fabulous service we enjoyed during the entire meal. Although she
never hovered, our affable server always magically appeared before
we even realized we wanted more coffee or water.
Each of us selected one dessert item. I tried a small wedge of
springy chocolate cake with a sinful ganache topping, my husband
sampled a slice of light, creamy cheesecake, and Julie chose a
square of rich fruit crumble with a shortbread-like crust and a
thick stripe of raspberry puree crowned with a crumbly
cobbler-like topping.
As our server brought us our check, she mentioned that we were
free to view the restaurant's wine cellar. We didn't take her up
on the offer this time, but I imagine I'll be back for an evening
meal soon, and will take a look then.
