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) North Street Grille, located at 229 North Street in Boston, won the title of ‘Boston’s Best Breakfast’ as part of Good Morning America’s ‘United States of Breakfast’ competition. In the Boston showdown, Robin Sidell, the owner of North Street Grille, had to face off against her brother, Sol Sidell, owner of South Street Diner. Robin’s Banana Bourbon French Toast (pictured above) defeated Sol’s Boston Cream Pancakes. 

And recently, at the GMA Breakfast Finals, North Street Grille competed against restaurants from Philadelphia, Houston and Cleveland. First Place was awarded to the Pastrami, Egg & Cheese Sandwich from Middle Child of Philadelphia, but North Street Grille took Second Place.  

“I had the best experience having the chance to showcase my Banana Bourbon French Toast on a national stage, the support we have received from our customers and the community is amazing.” said North Street Grille Owner Robin Sidell. “I loved meeting the competing chefs who were just as passionate as I am, to be the best breakfast spot in our respective cities. The experience was even more special as my brother Sol joined me to support and act as my sous-chef for the day. To say our mom was proud and beaming with joy is an understatement.”

The Banana Bourbon French Toast is available at North Street Grille for $15.95.

2) J.P. Licks, a famed ice cream shop, and Grill 23, a famed steakhouse, announce a collaboration to commemorate the restaurant’s 40th anniversary. Grill 23 Coconut Cake Ice Cream transforms Grill 23’s coconut cake into an ice cream flavor that will be available in all 17 J.P. Licks store locations for a limited time this summer. 

At Grill 23, Executive Pastry Chef Valerie Nin's Famous Coconut Cake is filled with a coconut custard and served with pineapple sherbet and coconut dulce de leche. For decades it has remained the most popular pick among repeat customers, a coveted way for guests to end their meal on a sweet note.

“We tasted one forkful of Grill 23’s famous Coconut Cake and knew we had to create an ice cream inspired by its incredible flavor,” says J.P. Licks founder and owner Vincent Petryk. “We translated this incomparable dish into creamy, coconut custard ice cream, blended with sweetened and toasted coconut and loaded with pieces of cake.”

Chef Nin shares, “I’m so excited to help celebrate 40 years of Grill 23 with the combination of two classic birthday —and Boston — foods, coconut cake and JP Licks ice cream!”