The Mayerson JCC bustles with a constant stream of activity: people heading to classes and meetings, others squeezing in a workout and many simply enjoying being part of the community.
Whenever a place has this much energy under one roof, good food becomes essential. And not just any food — it needs to offer enough variety to satisfy all kinds of appetites throughout the day. Adding to the challenge, the food service at the J has to remain affordable and accessible for everyone who walks through the doors.
Photo credit: David Woolpy
J Cafe
That means Sean Gneuhs, General Manager of Food Services, has quite a job on his hands.
Fortunately, Sean seems to thrive on the challenge. Talking with him, it’s obvious he has a strong grasp on the enormous variety of meals and cuisine he oversees. One moment he’s discussing kosher grab-and-go snacks, the next he’s talking about formal catering options as smoothly as turning the pages of a cookbook. And like any good manager, Sean is always looking ahead to the next idea.
But before getting to Sean’s upcoming food venture, let’s talk about the meal I sampled during this visit to J Cafe.
Most readers already know that J Cafe features an extensive menu packed with options. Sandwich selections range from comforting classics like grilled cheese and peanut butter and jelly to favorites such as the tuna melt. The cafe also offers soups, salads and, of course, pizza. Early risers can stop in for breakfast items including bagels, lox, eggs and wraps. What really caught my attention on this visit, however, was the impressive lineup of “Impossible” dishes.
Curious, I decided to try the Impossible Taco Salad, complete with spicy Impossible taco meat. I’ll admit, I’ve never been a huge fan of plant-based protein, though there are certainly some good versions out there. This one genuinely surprised me. The Impossible protein had an excellent texture along with a flavorful Mexican-style seasoning that really worked. The fresh, crisp lettuce paired perfectly with the cheese, black olives and especially the tomatoes, while the ranch dressing tied everything together beautifully.
Photo credit: David Woolpy
Impossible Taco Salad
In the end, the Impossible Taco Salad turned out to be a light, flavorful and pleasantly spicy lunch that left me satisfied without feeling overly full. Simply put, it was a delicious and healthy meal.
As I enjoyed the dish, Sean shared news about an upcoming seasonal favorite at J Cafe. During the spring and summer months, the cafe makes great use of the courtyard just across from the dining area. Once the weather warms up, the staff fires up the barbecue grill each day and serves freshly grilled burgers hot off the flame. Unsurprisingly, the outdoor grilling quickly becomes a major hit with patrons.
So very soon, Sean and his team will once again be flame-broiling burgers for hungry Mayerson JCC visitors and keeping customers coming back for more.
Whether you’re stopping in for a warm breakfast, a quick snack, a satisfying sandwich or a fresh-off-the-grill burger, make time to visit J Cafe during your next trip to the Mayerson JCC — because it’s the kind of place where the last taste lingers long after the meal is gone.
