Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food & drink events.. **********************************************************
1) On August 20, from 6:30pm-11pm, Brass Union will christen their newly renovated outdoor patio by hosting a luau-themed celebration. Dubbed “Luau in the Square,” this summer soiree will transform Brass Union’s dueling al fresco areas into a Polynesian-style hideaway complete with tropical treats as well as festive torches, totem poles, lanterns and leis.

From the bar, Beverage Director Paulo Pereira will feature handcrafted sips from Privateer (Ipswich, MA) including the Privateer Patio Punch (Privateer Silver, black tea, citrus, pineapple, sugar - $10), the Mamma Jamma (Privateer Amber, mango, citrus, allspice, cinnamon, orgeat - $12) and Bounce, Boogie & Bump (Privateer tiki-inspired gin, orange, cherry, pineapple, Benedictine, bitters, lime, soda - $12). Executive Chef Jonathan Kopacz will create Polynesian bites including Pork Cheek Skewers ($7) and Vegetarian Skewers ($6), in addition to dishing out fresh tortilla chips with a mild tomatillo salsa ($3).

For additional luau entertainment, resident deejay Jeff Wallace will play the soothing sounds of the Hawaiian Islands and there will be a prize for whoever dons their best themed attire. Additionally, Brass Union will resurrect its patio games and there will be a custom photo booth with beachy décor to capture memories of this pop-up sanctuary in the heart of Union Square. Grab your hula skirt, leis and best Hawaiian shirts to help Brass Union celebrate summer in the city in a most festive way.

COST: Complimentary admission. Food and beverage specials available at a la carte pricing.
This event is reserved for ages 21+ with proper ID. Luau-themed attire encouraged.

2) Craft ramen with the works and hyper local inspired plates. Expect hand made ramen in ogusky ceramics, tasty plates + japanese whiskey and live blues. This is the 3rd Whisk Pop-up supper at their new home in JP. The space is moving ever forward as they build the restaurant and this is their way of sharing the ride.

The Whisk team, chefs Jeremy Kean and Philip Kruta, are hosting their third Whisk At Fazenda pop up Supper Club event in their new Fazenda Café. The newest Pop Up will feature craft ramen with the works in Ogusky ceramics, other hyper local inspired tasty dishes, Japanese whiskey and live blues. Some dishes are shared and some are not. All items also available a la carte.

MENU
Oysters on Moss (Pickled Blackberry, Basil Granite)
Aged Duck Ramen + The Works (all local)
Bens Wild Mushroom Ramen + The Works (all local)
Roasted Oysters and Biscuits (Sorrel Butter, Nasturtium Jelly)
Clay Baked Pork Belly (Roasted Berries, Rhode Island Rose Hip Smoke, Parsley Pudding)
Baked Oysters and Pork Belly (Ramp Butter, Sourdough)
Wild Mushroom Pie (Flowers, Sugar Beans Goat Cheese, Wild Onions)
** This menu is hyper local and subject to change based on what is available **

WHEN: Thursday, August 20 &; Friday, August 21.  Reservations starting at 6 PM to 11PM.
Reservations: Please call  617-756-7571

3) AKA Bistro is currently offering their own DineOut specials for the rest of the month, for both lunch and dinner. Lunch is $20.15 and Dinner is $33.15, Check out their 3 Course Lunch Menu, from Spicy Tuna Tartare to Fish Tempura. You cna also check out their 3 Course Dinner Menu, from Suzuki Ceviche to Sashimi Platter. I suspect the menu may change during different weeks, but I'm sure the menu items will all be compelling. This is always one of my favorite restaurant week experiences and I highly recommend you check it out. I know that I will be dining there at least a couple times.

4) Boston’s 7th Annual New England Dessert Showcase will take place on Saturday, September 19, from 12pm to 5:30pm. Visitors will sample indulgent, new dessert creations, old favorites and even some healthier dessert options from over twenty local exhibitors at the Westin Waterfront Hotel. 

General Admission, VIP and Private Tasting tickets are available. VIP ticket holders will receive admission to The Showcase, access to the Kickoff Party on Friday, September 18th and admission to the After Party following The Showcase. Private Tasting tickets include everything in the VIP package, all day admission, as well as early access to have an intimate private tasting with select exhibitors.

Saturday, September 19
12:00pm – 2:30pm: Session I
3:00pm – 5:30pm: Session II

Tickets are available for $30-$75 depending on ticket tier. Child tickets are available for $10-$15. General Admission tickets will be available at the door on a capacity only basis. Contact for group rates.