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) ZURiTO, the Basque-inspired pintxo bar in Beacon Hill from BCB3 Hospitality Group (led by Chef Jamie Bissonnette and celebrated restaurateurs Andy Cartin and Babak Bina) has launched its new outdoor seating. Located at 26 Charles Street, in the heart of historic Beacon Hill, ZURiTO has a new outdoor area that includes 26 seats and standing room, beautifully appointed with flowers and lights. Outdoor seating at ZURiTO is available on a first come, first-served basis. 

ZURiTO is a restaurant rooted in the Basque ethos of “eat a little—but often,” featuring a rotating menu of pintxos, imported jamón and quesos from Spain, along with seasonal larger-format dishes. The extensive wine list is led by Wine Director Nader Asgari-Tari, while the cocktail program headed up by Oscar Simoza, BCB3’s Spirits Director, focuses on low-ABV drinks inspired by Northern Spain – including their Classic Sangria made with citrus in spice.

To welcome in the warmer months, the team has also introduced seasonal specials, including: 
Foie Gras Plantxa, seared foie gras with ramps, sunchoke, and honey
Helechos con Romesco served with the classic, Spanish sauce with roasted red peppers, tomatoes, and pine nuts
Asparagus served with salmorejo and goat butter

2) Famed Italian restaurant, Prezza, located in the North End celebrates 25 Anniversary! They will be celebrating with two special events, a Block Party and an Anniversary Dinner. 

The Block Party will be held on Sunday, June 22, from 12pm-6pm, in a tented parking lot across from restaurant on Fleet Street and inside Prezza until 5:30pm. There will be food, drinks and entertainment.

Food: 
Seafood Station including Oysters, Tuna Tacos, and Shrimp Scampi Cups
Pasta Station including Cavatelli Bolognese, Rigatoni plum tomato, & basil, and Orecchiette, sausage, rabe, chili flake
Meat Station including Roasted Pulled Pork Sliders, Sausage, peppers and onions, Chicken Milanese Sliders on focaccia, arugula, roasted peppers, and Beef Tenderloin Sliders, horseradish aioli

Beverage: 
Wine Station including Red, White, Rose and Bubbles
Beer Station including Bud Light, Stella Artois, and Menabrea
Specialty Cocktails, shaken up by your favorite Prezza bartenders

Entertainment  
DJ Scottie Mac
Photo Booth with instant photos
Face Painting
Cornhole and More!

Tickets are available HERE, and are priced from $50-$100, depends on whether you include Beverage stations. 

The Special Anniversary Dinner will be held after the Block Party, on Sunday, June 22, at 6:30pm. The Menu for this five-course dinner is:

FIRST
Tuna Crudo, Blood Orange, Fennel, Calabrian Chili, Citrus Vinaigrette
Prosciutto, Sopressata, Buffalo Mozzarella, Roasted Pepper
SECOND
Crispy Shrimp, Italian Slaw, Cherry Pepper Aioli
Roasted Figs, Stuffed with Gorgonzola, Wrapped in Prosciutto, Balsamic Glaze
Grilled Squid and Octopus, Tomato Braised White Beans, Toasted Parsley
THIRD
Corn Raviolini, Rock Shrimp, Pancetta, White Wine, Butter
Gnocchi Bolognese
Lumache Lobster Fra Diavolo
FOURTH
Crispy Pork Chop, Vinegar Peppers, Roasted Onions, Potatoes
Veal Osso Buco, Risotto Milanese
Grilled Tuna Steak, Fregola, Fresh Corn Cherry Tomato, Pesto, Feta
Boneless Free Range 1/2 Chicken, Yukon Mashed, Green Beans Roasted Onions
Grilled Sirloin, Mashed Potatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Red Wine Sauce
DESSERT
White Chocolate Bread Pudding, Vanilla Ice Cream, Crème Anglaise
Pistachio Sundae, Amarena Cherries, Amaretto Cookie Crumbs
Flourless Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Sauce, Hazelnut Ice Cream

Wine Cellar Selections include these and more!
2000 Altamura Cab Sauvignon
2004 Caparzo Brunello di Montalcino ‘La Cas’
2005 Domaine du Pegau Chateauneuf du Pape
2010 Batasiolo Barolo Brunate
2012 Rhys Pinot Noir
2013 Robert Foley Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Kelly’s Cuvee"

Tickets are available HERE, and tickets cost $250 per guest, but includes complimentary access to the Block Party food and beverage stations.

3) Karma Asian Fusion in Winchester, is now serving a new weekday Lunch Menu, just in time for patio season. Their brand new patio is also now open, seating up to 36 guests.  The Lunch Menu is available from Monday to Friday,  12PM - 3PM. 

Some of their menu highlights include:
Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings) $9.50
Salmon Carpaccio $15

Chili Hamachi $15

Crab Rangoon $9

Crispy Wonton $12
Chinese Wok Lunch Sets $22: Featuring dishes like General Gao’s Chicken, Yuen Yang Spicy Chicken or Beef, Vegetarian Mapo Tofu, and Mongolian Chicken or Beef, all served with hot and sour soup, rice, dumplings, and edamame
Sushi Lunch Special $28: Miso soup, edamame, 3 pieces of nigiri, sashimi don, and ½ Fire Dragon Maki

I haven't yet visited their Winchester location, but I'll stop by there soon to try out their new Lunch Menu. The Soup Dumplings are calling my name.