Boston Review on Breakfast Spots

Since I only stayed for two nights in St. John’s, I never had much time to explore some of the “hotspots” the locals have been talking about. We failed to get a reservation at Atlantica Restaurant, “Canada’s Best New Restaurant” named by enRoute Magazine in 2007, but more than anything we just didn’t have enough time. The city that I grew up has definitely changed with more cultural and entertainment attractions to see. It will only mean one thing. I won’t be waiting too long for my next trip back.

So after leaving St. John’s, I was off to Boston for a week. Once again, I was there to visit family and of course to revisit some of my favorite dining spots, but also to find new ones.

Rise and Shine

I must admit I am not a breakfast person. Even with the long hours of managing a restaurant, I am one of those that frequently skip breakfast. Waking up in the morning to eat a toast or cereal isn’t for me. Place a coffee and a croissant or brioche in front of me, now that’s a different story. Occasionally I do enjoy a greasy spoon diner. However, a fresh cup of coffee is often all I need.

Japonaise Bakery & Café

Located in Brookline is a French – Japanese style bakery that I frequently visit. Known for its bread, Japonaise attracts people all throughout Boston. Unlike most bakeries, the hours of operation do not begin until 8:00AM. However, it is common to find a line of customers prior to opening, waiting to be the first to purchase a freshly baked almond or chocolate croissant. Since bread is what makes this bakery so popular, it is often a daily sellout. Customers are known to have traveled more than an hour one way just to buy their sandwich bread called Shokupan. Shoku meaning “food” or “to eat” translates to “eating bread,” which is used to make a variety of tea sandwiches. You can also choose to buy a loaf of Shokupan in white or whole wheat. So what is the secret? What makes the texture so rich? The recipe calls for lots of cream.

Japonaise is also well known for their sweets. One in particular that I have quite enjoyed is the Anpan which is a bun filled with sweet azuki bean paste. If you like the red bean paste filling, then you will like their doughnut even better which has a sugary coating on the outside. Other desserts include strawberry short cake and a variety of cheesecakes and tarts.

Food: The bakery is comparable to some of the best French bakeries I have visited. According to chef and author, Ming Tsai, the Japanese donut is the best dessert he has had. No doubt, the bread is special and should remain a family secret. Japonaise also offers the standard coffees, but don’t expect anything special. You are better off saving your money for a properly made cappuccino across the street at the new French bakery called Tatte.

Service: Operation and management need immediate attention. Interesting characters serve the crowd and are often spaced out (“high”). We ask for Earl Grey Tea only to be told they don’t have any and do not carry it. Funny, we see the boxes of Earl Grey tea displayed on their counter. Lack of training prevents smooth flow of service. Difficulty in making coffee creates long lines. The snail pace speed of working the cash is a sign of trouble. Store hours are limited.

Atmosphere: Both exterior and interior requires a whole new makeover from its current old worn down “mom and pop” looking storefront. Poor lighting creates a dark, dingy atmosphere. The outside patio seating is ruined by the careless design. A couple units down you can find Dunkin” Donuts which even provides a better atmosphere.

Price: Expensive pastries and baked goods. A loaf of white sandwich bread costs $8.00 and one almond croissant is $5.25. Average check for breakfast $12 including tax. Average check for a light lunch is $8.50.

Japonaise Bakery & Café 1020 Beacon Street, Boston MA 02446, 617-547-5531

Tatte Fine Cookie & Cakes

A new bakery café has opened in Brookline that just happens to be directly across from Japonaise. Tatte replaced the Savoy Bakery. Question remains whether Tatte can do any better and survive. Bets on when Tatte will close are already the talk among the Brookline neighborhood. A limited menu offering of strictly sweets is risky. Only time will tell whether there is a large enough market.

This was the first time I have been there and I thoroughly enjoy the atmosphere. The design is rustic and reminds you of being in an old country barn house. My first impression was positive and exciting to see such beautiful tarts, cookies and cakes. However, the prices are expensive. One cappuccino, one regular coffee and two chocolate brioches were $17. Pear tarts are $25-$30 while a large cheesecake is $50. It will be interesting to see whether Tatte can capture some of Japonaise customers. One thing I know for sure is there cappuccinos are far better. Maybe some of the early morning risers will take advantage of Tatte’s 7:00AM opening. I hear their Belgium hot chocolate is to die for. If Tatte remains open next summer, I will be there. I just won’t be buying any sweets. I will save that for Japonaise.

Tatte Fine Cookie & Cakes 1003 Beacon Street, Boston MA 02446, 617-232-2200

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