Clayton’s Groveside Bistro elevates brunch to an event
CLAYTON, CA (Dec. 9, 2021) — Going back to the days of the Pioneer Inn, Clayton has had an excellent reputation for serving gourmet food for those who ventured up Clayton Road.
The culinary scene is even better today – with Moresi’s Chop House, Canesa’s Brooklyn Heros, La Veranda Café and Ed’s Mudville Grill. Adding to this list of gourmet destinations is the Groveside Bistro, which arguably provides some of the best cuisine in the region. Every item on the menu consists of garden-fresh ingredients that make this place so special.
When Sunday brunch comes along, Clayton shows off all its glory. The town provides the perfect venue for a romantic meal or family get-together. Groveside offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Weather permitting, dining outside overlooking the park contributes to the ambiance.
Located adjacent to The Grove park at 6101 Center St., it has the look of a French country inn one might find in the Bordeaux region. At the helm is owner-chef Judi Green, who learned her trade at Le Cordon Bleu School in Paris. This prestigious culinary institution has produced many three- and four-star chefs.
Following her apprenticeship in Paris, Green worked for 20 years in the Silicon Valley in a catering business prior to opening the Groveside near to where she currently resides. Green and her all-female staff have created a brunch menu where each dish is a work of art.
New Orleans treasures
Things get started with house-made beignets. These treasures that migrated from New Orleans are served warm covered with powdered sugar. Their melt-in-your-mouth flavor provides a perfect way to begin or finish a meal at the bistro.
Another popular item is the Chef’s Quiche Lorraine, which consists of a delicate mixture of bacon, cheese, arugula and eggs that would make Julia Child proud. It comes with potatoes and a gorgeous salad in a presentation that looks straight off the pages of Bon Appétit magazine.
Chef Green also serves several varieties of eggs Benedict, including one with Canadian bacon served open face on an English muffin covered by a poached egg and classic, tarragon-infused Hollandaise sauce. In addition to the traditional Benedict, Green features a “Crabby” version and a vegetarian option with tomato and avocado. She also has a ham steak and eggs, along with a steak dish with Béarnaise sauce, French eggs and mashed potatoes.
Groveside features a quality wine menu and a bottomless mimosa served with brunch. The Bloody Mary has more vegetables than one might find in many salads.
Leave room for desert
When visiting this enchanting dining spot, it is a wise decision to leave room for dessert. Green demonstrates her baking skills with a changing array of French delicacies. Her old-fashioned pumpkin pie with a páte sucrée crust and whipped cream is a treat even after Thanksgiving.
Big favorites are the flaky apple streusel and a caramel-chocolate pretzel brownie, which reflects her training at Le Cordon Bleu. Not to be forgotten is the Best Ugly Cookie, consisting of a sugar cookie with toffee and chocolate chips.
The Groveside Bistro is an excellent place that should not be missed. In addition to being open for brunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sundays, they serve lunch 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturday and dinner 5-8 p.m. these same days. They recommend reservations, especially on weekends. Call 925-693-0310.
Rich Eber
Rich Eber is a local journalist and long time resident of Concord. His diverse topics covered go from politics to gourmet food. He can be reached at rjerje@pacbell.net