Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I'm back again with a new edition of Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food and drink events. I hope everyone dines out safely, tips well and are nice to their servers.
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1) Happy Hour doesn't have to be about alcohol! At Karma Asian Fusion, at the Burlington Mall, hosts their own Happy Hour, on Monday to Friday, from 3pm-5pm. During this special time period, you can obtain $1 Oysters, straight from Duxbury, and accompanied by an Asian-inspired brine. Happy Hour also includes $5 Spicy Salmon & Tuna Maki, $6 Spicy Salmon & Tuna Hand Rolls, $5 Crab Rangoon (6 pieces) and $5 Salt & Pepper Calamari. This is the time to check out Karma and get a great deal on some oysters and Asian-inspired snacks.

2) R.F. O’Sullivan & Son, in Somerville, is debuting a “Board of Burgers Challenge” where hopefuls will try to polish off a massive platter of food. Challengers order up a board of five half-pound burgers, of their choosing, that are complemented by a bed of onion rings and French fries in addition to five pickle spears. The mission is to clean the board in one sitting (no time limit) without an assist from your friends. To the victors go the spoils: your photo on the Hall of Fame board, a commemorative t-shirt and RFO’s will comp your conquest.

The burgers cover more classic preparations like The Celtic with lettuce, tomato, onion, bacon, pickles and American cheese; BBQ with bacon, onion rings, pickles, bourbon BBQ and cheddar; Bloody Mary with tomato, onion, bacon and sriracha; The Pub with lettuce, onion, tomato and mayo; and Mushroom & Swiss with horseradish pepper sauce. Twists on the basic burger are seen in The Greek with lettuce, tomato, onion, tzatziki, roasted red pepper and feta; Don’t Poke the Bear with bacon, maple bacon glaze, fried egg and cheddar; Bacon & Blue with crumbled blue cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo; The Green Monstah with chipotle mayo, lettuce, pickles, beer cheese, sauteed onions and peppers; The Krabby Patty with pineapple, lettuce, onion, pepper jack cheese and a sweet ginger glaze; and newcomer the PB&J with peanut butter, bacon, jalapeño, onions and cheddar. There also is The Impossible, a plant-based patty topped with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle.

The “Board of Burgers” is available for $60, if you want to share it with friends or if you cannot finish the challenge.&

3) Sumiao Hunan Kitchen is very busy this month. First, they are participating in Dine Out Boston, from August 7-20, offering a 4-course lunch for $27 or 4-course dinner for $41. Plenty of excellent choices on their menu. Second, they are also participating in World Baijiu Day on August 9. Although they always have Baijiu cocktails available, they have created two new ones this month, including the Fung Wah (Sesame Baijiu, Chrysanthemum, Honey, Ginger, Lemon, Peated Scotch) and the Baijiu Blast (Baijiu Gin, Green Tea, Midori, Pineapple, Lime)

So, next week, you can actually participate in both of these events at the same time. Check out my experiences at Sumaio from last year, where I did just that, enjoying a 4 course lunch with their new Baijiu cocktail. And I'll probably dine there again, to check out their newest Baijiu cocktails.