House of Renault - EGG HARBOR CITY

I booked a few months in advance for 20 people. I received a call in the week before she no longer serves brunch. I wasn't happy because it was after the holiday party and I wanted it to be something special. They talked to the cook, who kindly said that he would still set up the brunch buffet for us. We were so impressed for $21.95pp to get an omelette and pancake station, eggs, bacon, potatoes, sausage, 2 hot dishes, carved roast beef, salad bar, desserts etc. and groundless mimosas. The service was a little slow with beverage refills, but the brunch was amazing and we didn't feel rushed.

Was here before and had a great time, so decided to come back with friends last night. Very disappointed with our visit. Place was empty but not surprising because it is in the middle of nowhere and it is in mid-December. The menu changed from the last time and not as many interesting items as before, especially the short Rib-Mac cheese. There was only one server for the three or 4 tables and he wasn't very good. Hadn't offered any specials until we asked, didn't pay attention to how we ordered things and never stopped by to see how things were or to ask if we wanted refills. Eating was fine. Salmon Tacos and the truffle Champignon were good. My wife's main rib was overcooked and dry. My buddy, I both ordered the rib eye and was cooked and my was overcooked. And no, it wasn't that the plates were turned around, he didn't want any onions and I, so they just boiled wrong. His wife liked her Shrimp Crab Risotto. A lot worse than last time and we won't be back. Not worth the 40-minute drive.

When we arrived, they could not find our reservation (formerly we had the email confirmation). They sat in a stand (all other guests were at tables, with no one in stalls, so it was obvious that our reservation was lost). It took a while to get service (we almost decided to go when someone finally came)... Drink order was wrong, then no offers for refilling drinks. Everyone was nice, and the food was average... the whole experience wasn't the holiday party we had expected this night.

The appetizer, salad, bread and service very average. Dinner lures the four of us ordered were delicious. We were pleasantly surprised! The restaurant was empty, it was a rainy cool evening. The renovation of the winery could be why it was not overcrowded. The waitress didn't show us the winery. After my review we were invited back by the owner after the renovation. This generous offer has been accepted and we will return after the renovation.

This is the second time we dined at Joseph’s for lunch. The food was good, but liked the menu selection the first time we went a bit better. Our server brought us homemade chips which were very good. We had a vegetable flatbread which was ok and a turkey BLT wrap, which was good. What we love about Joseph’s is the wine. Our server was excellent and friendly, even though she was in training. One annoying part of our lunch were all the flies. We had about 5 flies buzzing around us the entire meal.