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) This Father’s Day, XOXO Sushi Bar in Chestnut Hill is offering a special whisky flight. This flight features four (4) one-ounce pours of some of XOXO’s most celebrated whiskys from their collection: Mars Shinshu Iwai; Kaiyō ‘The Kuri’ No. 1 Ariake Wood Collection Chestnut, Nikka Yoichi; and Yamakazi 12. This special costs $55. XOXO Sushi Bar offers a superior Sushi experience and it definitely would please any sushi loving fathers.

2) Today, Chef Leigh Whittaker will debut her new restaurant concept along Newbury Street. Le Mari – French for “the husband,” as Chef Whittaker affectionately refers to her latest endeavor – is a Mediterranean-influenced concept that celebrates fresh seasonal creations. 

After a 20-year career in the medical device industry, Leigh Whittaker made the bold decision to leave sales behind to pursue her undeniable passion for cooking. After graduating as class valedictorian of Cambridge School of Culinary Arts in 2021 (where she continues to serve as a chef instructor), Chef Whittaker quickly found herself behind the line at a renowned farm-to-fork restaurant: Earth at Hidden Pond (Kennebunkport, ME). In September of 2021, Chef Whittaker joined Karen Akunowicz at Fox & The Knife (South Boston).

Chef Whittaker was inspired to create her own restaurant that blends her love of sourcing local ingredients with her talent for crafting homemade pastas. Le Mari – located in the space formerly inhabited by Bar à vin 1855 – is a restaurant and bar that also is home to a pair of Parisan-style patios for al fresco dining. 

As for the Menu: Crudo dishes include the scallop with grilled pineapple, toasted coconut and aguachile as well as carne with bone marrow aioli, beech mushrooms and sorrel. For small plates, try the duck fat gaufrettes with shallot aioli, caviar and tarroco dust; the pansotti con cipolla, fontina-stuffed homemade pasta with caramelized onion en brodo; or carciofi Mediterraneo with dill vinaigrette, fried capers and feta. Entrée highlights include the sea bass with tzatziki, fennel, Granny Smith apple and sumac; steak frites, a picanha cut with gremolata; as well as Lion’s Mane with butterbean puree, Marrakesh and garbanzo. There are a trio of handcrafted pastas like the cacio e pepe with buffalo milk butter, white alba truffle and microgreens as well as the cavatelli con vongole with littlenecks, squid ink and San Marzano tomatoes. The menu is rounded out with a collection of seasonal soups and salads as well as side enhancements.

On the liquid side, Le Mari features a curated beverage program that mixes classic techniques with whimsical charm. In addition to showcasing an extensive portfolio of wines suited for novices and connoisseurs alike, the cocktails are rooted in the classics with modern takes.

Le Mari will be open for dinner service Tuesday through Sunday from 4:30pm through 2:00am. Le Mari also will debut weekday lunch and weekend brunch services in the coming weeks.

3) Kane’s Donuts and Samuel Adams have come together to create a Father’s Day treat, the Samuel Adams American Light Donut. The all-new Samuel Adams American Light is a light and crisp craft lager that features pleasant floral hop notes balanced by a light sweetness for a combo of flavor and easy drinking. 

Kane’s has crafted the Sam Adams American Light Donut to be a light and airy brioche donut, dipped in a glaze made from reduced Samuel Adam’s American Light Beer and Kane’s Signature Honey Glaze. Note that all alcohol burns off in the cooking process. 

Distinctly American, the Samuel Adams American Light is a light craft lager that features pleasant floral hop notes balanced by a light sweetness for the perfect combo of flavor and easy drinking. Crisp, refreshing, and ready for tailgates, beach days, and backyard BBQs. This American classic will leave you wanting more! To find Sam Adams American Light near you, visit www.samueladams.com/find-a-sam. 

“Our loyal customers love when we bring other brands into our products, but it goes without saying there’s a little extra excitement in the air when they hear we’re partnering with Sam Adams yet again,” said Kane’s Donuts Co-Owner Maria Delios. “We could not think of a better way to celebrate Father’s Day than with Sam Adams!” 

The Samuel Adams American Light donut will be available in limited quantities at all Kane’s locations during Father’s Day weekend, on Saturday, June 15th and Sunday, June 16th.