Sometimes when you walk into a certain kind of eatery, there’s just something special in the air- a vibrancy and an enveloping sense of comfort and belonging. Many Nashua area restaurants and cafes provide these feelings, but one in particular stands out: Ja Ja Belle’s, on the corner of Main and Factory Streets, is an oasis of color, light, music, and delicious breakfast and lunch fair. Owner Jessica DePontbriand and her team are, every single one of them, over the years and throughout all milestones, trials, tribulations, and celebrations, a constant source of genuine happiness and inclusion. With approximately two decades of experience from participating in farmer’s markets in Colorado and here in Nashua, as well as from her deep connection to her family’s cooking and baking traditions, Jessica has remained true to all that she learned in business school to develop what has become a focal point in Downtown Nashua. It has stood up to the times and continued to be successful and ever-evolving.

The menu at Ja Ja Belle’s is partly seasonally inspired, but always focuses on consistency in quality, flavors, and color. Spring and Summer see ice cream, Italian Sodas, robust and refreshing salads, as well as light and crisp New England beers and hard ciders rolled out. Despite a few warmer days here and there recently, we are very much settled into Fall, and Ja Ja Belle’s is now catering to our desire for the warm and comforting.

Many dishes are quintessentially linked to Fall in New England. Bowls of chili; apple, pumpkin, and pecan pies; hot chocolate and teas. Ja Ja’s, as so many of the devoted clientele refer to “The Shop”, makes, brews, and serves several of these favorites year-round. Their bakeshop section is impressive, to say the least. Lemon bars, brownies, bundt and other sweet cakes, banana breads, croissants, raspberry or pecan bars, cookies, macaroons, home-made pop tarts, and so much more fill the case. As with any bakery, availability can vary from day-to-day.

Breakfast is a true specialty at Ja Ja’s, and their sandwiches, smoothies, and smoothie and granola bowls are perfect ways to start any day, whether you’re on your way to work or stopping in on a Sunday after perusing the Farmer’s Market (be sure to stop at their booth!). The classic Egg & Cheese on an English Muffin, croissant or ciabatta roll is sure to fill you up, with bacon, sausage, avocado, or smoked turkey- choose one or a combination. The Ja Ja is a savory collaboration between egg, sausage, bacon, avocado, and cheddar cheese on a bagel. Avocado toast is a tasty classic, which The Shop happily provides, but they also serve up a twist: The OG features mashed avocado, tomato, cheddar cheese, and cracked pepper and salt. The granola at Ja Ja Belle’s is gluten-free and made in house. Made with loads of walnuts, pecans, almonds, sunflower seeds and craisins, it is filling, healthy, and delicious. Order it as a bowl of cereal or as a parfait, with vanilla yogurt and fresh fruit. Smoothies are a refreshing and nutritious treat on their own or paired with any food item. Order it as you like, choosing from strawberries, mango, pineapple, peach, blueberries and mixed berries, with a base of banana and orange juice or yogurt. The Green Smoothie is a fan-favorite, and is made with banana, pineapple, spinach, avocado, blueberries and almond milk. Order a smoothie bowl, and you can choose from your favorite smoothie, topped with granola and fresh fruit.

Lunch at Ja Ja’s is a midday delight of wholesomeness and comfort. Sandwiches are made-to-order and served on sourdough or multigrain, with a side of chips. Their famous B.L.A.T is made with bacon, lettuce, avocado, tomato and mayo. The Turkey Club is a towering triple decker of turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. A Grilled Cheese goes perfectly with a bowl of Chili, if available, and is made with avocado, bacon and tomato on sourdough. A Caprese of mozzarella, tomato, pesto, basil and balsamic on a ciabatta roll is refreshing and light. Also to choose from are a Tuna Sandwich, with lettuce, tomato, and red onion on a ciabatta roll, or the classic and dependable Tuna Melt.

Salads at Ja Ja Belle’s are as robust as they are nutritious, and there’s a wide variety to choose from. Selections include Garden, B.L.A.T., Greek, or Avocado inspired, and feel free to add the likes of bacon, turkey, avocado, tuna, feta cheese, tomato, and extra dressing.

Hot and cold pick-me-up beverages are serious business in New England, and Jessica and her team are masters at them all. From espresso, lattes, and chais (a favorite is the Dirty Chai: espresso and chai tea steamed to perfection) to selected brews from around the world, and teas and macha, the options are seemingly endless and full of opportunity to try something new or order your reliable favorite. Any inquiries you have about the details of flavor and preparation technique are always welcome, as the staff are knowledgeable, and, as mentioned before, very friendly and supportive.

Ja Ja Belle’s is well known for their catering menu. Whether for a socially distanced wedding, business meeting, holiday gathering, or birthday, individually wrapped breakfast, lunch, and bakery items are available with a phone call at least two days in advance. Special holiday menus become available for Greek Easter, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Any event is sure to make an extra impression on all who attend if you include the delicious food from this stand-out eatery.

Jessica and her team at Ja Ja’s are dedicated to serving the Greater Nashua area in their powerfully genuine way. No customer enters without a friendly greeting and smiles, and no one leaves without the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal or treat. In these times of continued uncertainty and fear, it is imperative that we all continue to play our role in ensuring that businesses can remain open by wearing face coverings, maintaining social distance practices, and regularly washing our hands. It is such a reassuring comfort to have establishments like this to lift our spirits and fill our bellies and hearts. It is simply guaranteed: Ja Ja Belle’s is a place of true

Emily Vassar can be reached at 603-594-1203, or evassar@nashuatelegraph.com.

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