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.
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1) C.K. Pearl, a family owned and operated restaurant on the water in Essex, is channeling the roaring 20’s for one night with a “Speakeasy Night” in celebration of their 5th Anniversary!

On Thursday, May 20, starting at 7pm, guests can throw on their finest 1920’s attire and spend the night at the “C.K. Speakeasy.” No password needed to gain entry but party goers can buy a key for the chance to unlock special prizes, including a 30 gallon barrel from sponsor Ryan and Wood Distillery, a C.K. Pearl gift card, and more! While dancing the night away to music from the Kate Barry Band, guests can enjoy themed cocktails, including the Rock & Rye, the Ward Eight Cocktail and more, because prohibition may be over but these drinks are still sure to excite.

For reservations, please contact C.K. Pearl at 978-890-7378.

2) Having begun last Sunday, May 19, executive chef Nimesh Maharjan and the team at Tuscan Seaport now offer Sunday brunch service with a mix of classic staples, artisan Italian creations, raw bar offerings and a Bloody Mary Bar.

For regional Italian twists on breakfast traditions, there are Ricotta Pancakes topped with balsamic strawberries and whipped cream ($12); Semolina Raisin French Toast with maple mascarpone ($12); Due Uove Fatte a Moda Tuo – translated to “two eggs your way” – served with a choice of pancetta or Tuscan’s signature sausage and housemade rustic toast ($14); and, a Frittata Bianca with egg whites, arugula, portobello mushrooms, roasted red peppers and onions ($14).

For uncommon brunch finds, there is a “Salumificio” section featuring house-cured salumis and imported cheeses as well as the “Raw Bar” with oysters, shrimp cocktail and more. In addition to churning out five Neapolitan pies like the Breakfast Pizza with eggs over-easy, fontina, country ham, spinach and hollandaise ($14), there are a collection of primi, secondi and contorni options that encapsulate the true essence of an early, home-cooked Italian “Sunday supper.”

For those with a creative side, the Bloody Mary Bar ($16 per cocktail) starts with a choice of vodka that you can garnish conservatively or garnish to unleash your inner foodie. Options include pickled asparagus and green beans, hot peppers, shrimp, prosciutto-bacon, stuffed peppers, artisan cheese and assorted hot sauces.

WHEN: Available Sundays from 11am-3pm
For reservations, please call (617) 303-7300

3) GreCo is expanding, and will open a third location at One Milk Street in Boston’s Downtown Crossing in Fall 2019. GreCo offers the convenience of Greek street food made with the high standards of a gourmet Greek chef and is a concept from Partners Stefanos Ougrinis and Demetri Tsolakis, who is also affiliated with Committee Ouzeri + Bar.

“GreCo is what many have called a flavorful trip to Greece,” said Stefanos Ougrinis. “Our third location is situated in the heart of historical Downtown Crossing, right where Benjamin Franklin was born, and GreCo will create a cozy environment where our guests can enjoy a unique cultural and gastronomical experience. GreCo mentally transfers guests to Greece through every smell, every taste, every effort to make everyone feel welcomed. Our “meraki” alongside all of the smells and tastes of traditional Greek cuisine is what makes us truly Greek. GreCo is our home away from home. It is here to ensure truly Greek hospitality where guests are always greeted with a smile and enjoy our high level of service.”

GreCo’s first location opened on Newbury Street in 2017 and their menu at showcases seasonally inspired authentic gyros, house made dips such as tzatziki, feta fries, frappes, legendary loukomades and handcrafted nonalcoholic beverages. GreCo’s second location is scheduled to open in the Seaport’s Pier 4 development this June.

Additionally, the current GreCo location on Newbury Street is going to donate all proceeds from their new Lady Marmalade (fig marmalade, yogurt mousse, toasted almonds) variation of loukoumas (Greek donuts) to the Yellow Hammer fund in Alabama until the end of this month.

GreCo has been one of my favorite casual spots since it opened, and whenever I'm in the Newbury Street area, I'm likely to grab a bite there. I love their Lamb Gyro and the Loukamades are always a sweet treat. It's great news to hear that they are expanding and I strongly recommend you check them out.

4) Summer patio parties are back at Bistro du Midi with a special Tour de Rosé patio party featuring still and sparkling rosés, cocktails and special dishes to match. On Thursday, June 6, from 5pm-7:30pm, cheers with a glass of rosé as you take in the most beautiful view of the Public Garden that Boston has to offer, all while supporting a good cause. 100% of the proceeds from a signature Ellie Fund rosé cocktail, as well as a portion of ticket sales, will benefit the Ellie Fund. The Ellie Fund is a non-profit that fights breast cancer and provides free services to ease the effects on cancer patients and their families.

Tickets are available for purchase on Eventbrite for $25 and include bar bites and 1 drink ticket each.

5) Chef/Owner Will Gilson, Wine Director Peter Nelson and the Puritan and Co. team invite guests to join them for a night of all things rosé at their fifth annual Rosé Rumble. Puritan & Co.’s upcoming Rosé Rumble will offer guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the best rosés in Boston like a true insider. Taking place on Wednesday, June 19th, the fifth annual industry-style tasting event will showcase a variety of rosés for guests to taste, discuss, and learn about while enjoying unlimited bites from Chef Will Gilson and the Puritan and Co. team.

The night will feature two, separately ticketed sessions- one at 6 p.m. and one at 8 p.m. Regularly $80, tickets are now available for a special early bird rate of $70 until May 27th. Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rose-rumble-tickets-61955693146

This is another event I highly recommend!