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) On October 19, from 6pm-9pm, All Hallow’s Eve will arrive early to Joe’s Waterfront with their Haunted Harbor happening. "Set atop an eerily calm Boston Harbor, the evening will have ghouls and dolls dressed to the nines in their costumes of choice – with prizes for the most creepy and creative – while dancing the Monster Mash, snacking on devilishly delicious bites and sipping on libations worthy of the Sanderson Sisters."

Revelers will get the party started noshing on passed “finger” foods (fried mac and cheese balls, deviled eggs, shrimp cocktail, assorted flatbreads), stationed snacks (mini lobster rolls, a supersized deli sandwich, noodle salad cups, a charcuterie spread enhanced with seasonal fruit, spinach dip with veggies and chips, chef’s choice salad cups) and sweets (mini desserts, Halloween-themed cupcakes).

If your costume doesn’t land you a top spot in the zombie pageant, try your luck with the raffle – with proceeds benefitting MassGeneral Hospital for Children – that includes prizes like gift cards, overnight hotel stays, sports tickets, and more.

COST: $49 per person (includes entry and food). Cash bar available.
TICKETS: Advance tickets recommended via EventBrite. Walk-in entry available as space permits.
MORE: A portion of ticket sales and all raffle ticket proceeds will be donated to MassGeneral for Children. This event is reserved for ages 21+.

2) Abe & Louie’s has debuted a revamped menu that embodies the bold flavors of the season. Executive chef Mark Mariano has refreshed some classic dishes while introducing new dishes that feature the best from land and sea to pair with their wine list.

For salad newcomers, there is the Shrimp Louie with arugula, avocado, cucumber, egg and housemade Thousand Island dressing ($26); Abe’s House with baby romaine, cucumber, tomato, olives, red onion and feta in a Dijon vinaigrette ($16); and Roasted Beet & Goat Cheese with pistachio, dill and aged balsamic ($19). There are four appetizer additions: Bacon-Wrapped Squash with grain mustard sauce ($18); Clams Casino with smoked bacon, bell pepper and breadcrumbs ($20); Oysters Rockefeller with spinach, hollandaise and breadcrumbs ($24); and Hand-Cut Beef Tenderloin Tartare with capers, shallot, cornichons, Dijon and baguette ($22).

In addition to their menu of signature à la carte chops, there is now an eight-ounce Ribeye Cap Steak ($75) while the entrees have been refreshed with seasonal accompaniments and also include new creations: Cedar Plank Salmon with green beans and mustard glaze ($36); Blackened-Spiced Tuna with cucumber, ginger and soy glaze ($40); Grilled Atlantic Swordfish with lemon-caper butter and parsley ($34); Diver Sea Scallops with celery root puree and smoked bacon jam ($44); Veal Chop Diane with mushroom, cognac and Dijon ($68); Pan-Roasted Chicken with crispy potatoes, green beans, lemon and jus ($36); a double-cut Kurobuta Bone-In Pork Chop with roasted apples and onions ($37); Rosemary-Crusted Rack of Lamb with natural jus and mint ($60); and Black Truffle & Kabocha Squash Risotto with shallot, thyme and parmesan with an option to top it with lobster ($32/52). For a touch of sweet? Housemade Key Lime Pie in a Graham cracker crust with raspberry sauce ($14).

For weekend brunch, to start, there are Beignets with warm caramelized apple chutney ($14) and an omelet addition is Lobster & “Eggs” with Ossetra caviar and mascarpone ($44). For a heartier order, new entrees include Belgian Waffles with berries, Chantilly cream and Vermont maple syrup ($18); Boston Cream Pie French Toast with vanilla cream, chocolate and brioche ($20); Lobster “Madame” with gruyère, béchamel and a sunny-side up egg ($36); and the Brunch Burger, a nine-ounce prime beef patty topped with Nueske’s bacon, fried egg and cheddar served with hand-cut French fries ($24).

3) Chef Kegan Stritchko is debuting a new early-evening feature menu at XOXO Sushi Bar in Chestnut Hill. Available nightly from 5-6pm, “Appy Hour” showcases a collection of handrolls available at half-price in addition to other wallet-friendly chef creations.

The “Bites” section offers standouts from land and sea like the Island Creek oyster with seasonal garnish ($2.50), a pork belly bao bun with sweet chili miso, yuzu kosho and micro cilantro ($11), spicy tuna crispy rice with charred pineapple, jicama and aji amarillo ($12.50) and himachi aburi with green apple zu, pickled green apple, green apple relish, shiso and basil oil ($13.50). There also is a quartet of handrolls designed with intricate layers of flavors and textures: spicy crunchy with a choice of tuna, yellowtail or salmon with tempura flakes, spicy aioli and crispy shallots ($6); spicy tuna with aji amarillo, charred pineapple and jicama ($8.50), yellowtail jalapeño with soy-marinated jalapeño, mango, cilantro and ponzu ($6) and leche de tigre, a white fish ceviche with cilantro and avocado wrapped in soy paper ($7.50).

For those seeking a more formal dining experience, XOXO Sushi Bar recently unveiled a 16-course omakase menu. The experience is limited to only one seating on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with two options – the 16-course culinary adventure with or without a menu of eight wine, sake and whisky pairings – with a finale of dessert.

Reservations are recommended via Resy or by calling (617) 505-3378.