JAM Bistro for the Win!
It was a dark and stormy night when Bonnie and I went to dine at JAM Bistro at 210 Second Street in Rehoboth. It’s the same JAM Bistro that had been holding forth on Baltimore Avenue (just East of Eden) for years. The move to Second Street allows for a bigger, more comfortable restaurant with the same cozy warmth of the original JAM.
The weather kept the crowds away, but there were enough folks dining that the place had a friendly, warm vibe.
Our host, Ryan, managing the evening for owners Mark Hunker and Jeff McCracken, set out to give us a taste of JAM’s specialties. It’s interesting—I’d just read a food column online talking about how people can enhance their dining experiences by going with others and sampling more than one appetizer and entrée.
And I find that’s true. Often, we go out with other diners and share all manner of delicious goodies. That’s why our JAM experience was just great.
Ryan told us about two appetizers special to JAM, the Salmon Tartar and the Edamame Guacamole with house made tortilla chips. The guac recipe, which came about because of Mark Hunker’s allergy to avocado, is sensational. And the house-made chips are a treat as well.
The Salmon Tartar with dill, crème fraîche, cucumbers, and pomegranate seeds is adventurous and delicious.
Our third appetizer sample, JAM’s special Baked Truffle Mac ‘n Cheese, is a rich, creamy pasta with toasty crunchy Parmesan, and a Cheez-it crust. Seriously, Cheez-its, the little square snack I cannot resist. Really great.
Oh, we accompanied the appetizer selections with a Berry Bliss Cosmo for me, created from house-infused mixed berry vodka, Triple Sec, lime, and a splash of cran. Loved it! Bon sipped a traditional Johnny Walker Red, neat. JAM offers a host of infused vodkas for mixology fans.
Luckily, the first two apps were smaller portions for our tasting, but the mac ‘n cheese overflowed its baking dish. “Sorry, we have only one dish for this!” said Ryan, knowing we were trying hard for moderation.
Following our apps, we enjoyed a taste of the excellent Beet and Cashew Salad, warming up for the entrées. Ryan brought us samples of the Pork Tenderloin Cassoulet with great northern white beans, smoked kielbasa, and bacon, with a balsamic reduction. I could easily have been on the Champs-Élysées in Paris.
But traveling quickly to Nola’s Bourbon Street we then tasted Chorizo Shrimp and Grits, bringing the full flavor of New Orleans to Second Street.
The third entrée we sampled, remarkable Cherry Cola-Braised Boneless Short Ribs with asparagus and Gorgonzola mashers, totally sent us over the edge.
And I have to tell you, we were enjoying every morsel of this as we kept one eye on the big TV in the bar for reports of the Eagles game. We’d watched the first half at home and were delighted that our JAM seating kept us at least adjacent to the action. Ryan and the bartenders kept reporting TDs to our table.
We tried our best with the Key Lime Pie (with homemade strawberry JAM jam) for dessert but could only manage a bite each. Really tasty! A winner.
And speaking of winners, JAM does it with their cuisine and ambiance. I love the old porch seating overlooking Second Street, a favorite of mine from the days the restaurant was the late, lamented Chez La Mer. And with a nod to nostalgia, wait staff at JAM wear shirts saying Chez La JAM on the back!
Did somebody say winners? By the time we finished dinner, dessert, and all dining and festivities, the football game had a minute and a half to go. Amazingly, the Eagles tied it up and the game hit overtime. We stood at the bar with several staff members and another guest, too nervous to sit, chewing our nails until the Eagles’ quarterback, Jalen Hurts, won the game by running in for a touchdown.
It was a delicious win, a delicious dinner, and a great dark and stormy night at JAM Bistro! Go for a glorious dinner (or lunch or brunch)—you’ll be glad you did. ▼