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) Congratulations to the Union Oyster House for their 200th Anniversary! 

In 1826, before the Civil War, before the invention of the telephone, and before either the Boston Symphony Orchestra or the Boston Red Sox existed, Union Oyster House opened its doors. This August, this National Historic Landmark celebrates 200 years of continuous operation. Located on Boston’s Freedom Trail, Union Oyster House offers guests a tangible connection to American history, culture, and traditions. Since opening, only minor renovations have been made to preserve the restaurant's original design. It is internationally celebrated for its fresh seafood, timeless ambiance, and exceptional service. Signature dishes include New England classics like oysters on the halfshell, clam chowder, lobster, Boston baked beans, and cornbread.. The restaurant won North America’s Best Landmark Restaurant honors in 2020, 2024, and 2025.

Over the years, Union Oyster House has been owned by only four families: the Atwoods, Fitzgeralds, Greaveses, and, the current proprietors, the Milanos. For owner Joseph Milano, this bicentennial anniversary represents far more than a successful business. “It’s our responsibility and honor to uphold this piece of American history,” said Milano. “For 200 years, we have been creating memories and traditions for visitors across the world. Union Oyster House would not be where it is today without the love and support from our guests.” 

Some of the more famous guests to dine at Union Oyster House over the decades have included presidents and politicians, royalty and diplomats, Hollywood legends, celebrated chefs, and sports icons. Notable visitors have included Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Queen Elizabeth II, Julia Child, Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Steven Spielberg, among countless others who have passed through its historic doors over the last two centuries.

2) Margeaux Supper Parlor, located in Cambridge and owned by Rebekah Barr is now offering $1 oysters, along with new cocktail and wine pairings. Every Tuesday through Thursday from 5–7 p.m., guests can enjoy a special menu featuring brand-new cocktails and $1 Unicorn Oysters. Unicorn Oysters are premium, surface-cultivated Eastern oysters harvested in the cold, nutrient-rich waters of Maine's Damariscotta River. 
** Available in the dining room, at the bar, and on Margeaux's patio. **

Some Cocktail Highlights include
* Clarified Key Lime Margarita– Arette tequila, key lime, vanilla, Luxardo amaretto, coconut foam, graham cracker
* Pink Vesper– Kyro rhubarb gin, Rockey's botanical liqueur, Lillet Rose, lemon
* Bali Dragon– Absinthe, Planetary rum, coconut milk, pistachio & pandan orgeat, matcha
* Soft Launch– Tito's, Licor 43, guava, citrus, vanilla, baking spice, sparkling wine chaser

Each cocktail is inspired by the deep flavors of unicorn oysters, pairing oyster umami with a refreshing bite. Owner Rebekah Barr's vision for “Golden Hour” centers on her appreciation for a slower life. A craft cocktail, a fresh oyster, and the sunsetting over a beautiful patio- the way summer should be. Wine will be offered by the bottle and glass at a discounted price.

Rant: How Much Would You Pay For a Lobster Roll?

Summer is the time when many people in New England, from residents to tourists, will enjoy Lobster Rolls, whether a cold lobster roll (commonly called a Maine-style roll) or a warm buttered lobster roll (commonly called a Connecticut-style roll). My personal preference is for a warm buttered lobster roll and I enjoyed my first one of the summer season last Friday.   

However, how much would you pay for a Lobster Roll?

This season, Lobster Rolls are pricier than other years, especially due to a smaller lobster catch in Maine, the fourth year of continual decline. Plus, restaurant prices have been rising, due to many factors, from higher ingredient costs to higher labor costs. If you try to purchase live lobsters at your local market, you'll see how pricey they can be, commonly $10-$20 a pound. 

At many local restaurants, lobster rolls are now selling for $30-$60, usually accompanied by French fries or chips. On the menu, lobsters rolls are usually listed as "Market Price," so you should ask about the price before ordering, to prevent sticker shock later. Some consumers draw a line at how much they are willing to pay for a lobster roll, while others will pay nearly any price for such an iconic sandwich.

Last Friday, for lunch, I dined at Row 34 in Burlington, and I had an urge for a Lobster Roll. Their Warm Buttered Lobster Roll, with slaw and home-made chips was listed at Market Price, and the actual price that day was $48. Considering everything, I thought this was a reasonable price, especially as I've enjoyed their Lobster Rolls before and understood their quality. 

There was plenty of sweet, tender lobster, covered with a rich butter, and within a thicker hot-dog style bun. The bun was grilled perfectly, and its thicker bread helped keep the sandwich from falling apart. With thin buns, the bread can get too moist from the butter and fall apart, so it becomes much harder to eat it. Fortunately, I didn't have this issue at Row 34. The lobster roll sated my urges, was quite delicious, and it was everything I wanted. I felt I got my money's worth. 

I'll also mention that I love their homemade chips as well, a nice companion to the lobster roll. 

In addition, as an appetizer, I was also impressed with their Salt & Pepper Fried Shrimp, accompanied by a peanut sauce and nuoc cham. A crunchy, clean coating on plump, tender shrimp, and both sauces were very tasty. 

How much would you pay for a Lobster Roll? 

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) Tomorrow, Friday, June 5 is National Donut Day! Kane’s Donuts is celebrating this tasty holiday with a couple Freebies. On Friday,  guests who purchase a dozen donuts at any Kane’s Donuts location will receive:
• A free small hot or iced Stella Blue Coffee
• A free Kane’s Donut

How will you celebrate National Donut Day?

2) Looking for a colorful way to celebrate Boston Pride? The Tip Tap Room, headed by Chef Brian Poe, and located right at the end of the Boston Pride parade route, is toasting to the occasion with a limited-edition ‘Pride Spritz Flight’ available on parade day, Saturday, June 6. 

The vibrant flight features four rainbow-inspired spritzes made with Tip Tap’s homemade cordials, including a Raspberry Spritz, Mandarin Spritz, Honeydew & Snap Pea Spritz, and Blueberry Lavender Spritz. Even better, a portion of the proceeds from every Pride Spritz Flight sold will benefit BAGLY, supporting LGBTQ+ youth across Massachusetts.

Rant: Don't Use Your Car As An Oven!

Today is June 1 and temperatures later this week, Thursday to Saturday, are predicted to be in the 80s, a summery heat. So, once again, this seems like an excellent time to repeat a vinous warning, a caution to protect your wine from high temperatures. 

We often hear how we should stay hydrated, use sun screen, and otherwise protect ourselves from the intense sun and heat. We know we shouldn't leave children or pets in a hot car, even if the window is open a bit. A child or pet can easily die inside a hot car, within a short time period, so it's vital that this should never be done. We don't want any such tragedy to occur.

However, how often do you hear that you should protect your wine from intense heat as well?

It should be illegal, the torture of an innocent wine bottle by the application of intense heat. It's also a far too common crime during the summer season. Please stop this cruel practice and persuade others to give it up as well. Do you really want to lose that bottle of wine you recently bought? Please save the gentle wine bottle from a torturous heat death.

Summer is the time for travel, and maybe you'll visit a farmer's market, bakery, farm, wine shop, winery, brewery, or some similar place. If you make any purchases, you'll need to transport them home in your car, likely in your trunk, where they could sit there for hours, or even longer. You might not realize that your trunk can get very hot, thus subjecting your food and drink to intense heat. You need a way to protect them from such high temperatures.

When I travel, I often bring my metal wine case (pictured above), which is insulated and holds a dozen bottles of wine. Thus, I can safely transport my wines and it has been invaluable on long trips. You don't need to purchase such a case, though if you often buy wine it can be a good investment. Instead, you should carry some other type of insulated bag, box or other container, the same type you would use to transport frozen food or other perishables. You need to protect the wine from the heat, keeping it at a cooler temperature. You need to be prepared when you travel.

An insulated container has other uses too if you travel. You might find some food you wish to take home, and that too can be protected on your long drive home. How many times have you stopped at a farmer's market or food shop, and wanted to buy something but worried about it surviving the journey home? An insulated container will resolve that issue. Always be prepared this summer and ensure you keep an insulated container in your trunk.

It's an easy solution to a rampant problem. Save the wine bottle from the heat, so that you don't come home and find your wine is ruined. Cherish the insulated container.

I'll also add that you need to protect your wine at home from intense heat as well. Where do you store your wine at home? Some just place them in open racks in their kitchen or dining room. If those rooms get too hot, then your wines are endangered. It would be better to store them somewhere else, where it is cooler and dark, such as maybe in your basement. If you have a wine cooler or wine refrigerator, that is probably the best place for your wines. 

Protect your wine and food from heat, wherever it might be.

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) Today is National Burger Day! Let me offer a couple choices where you can celebrate today.

MEZŌ Mediterranean (Dedham): MEZŌ brings a Mediterranean twist to a classic comfort food with its new handheld MEZŌ Greek Burger. Served on a soft brioche bun, the burger is layered with cool, homemade tzatziki, sharp feta cheese, crisp red onion and Greek feta-tossed fries – delivering a bright, tangy contrast to the rich, savory patty. At $15.50, it’s a Greek-inspired take that balances indulgence with freshness in every bite.

The Wellington (Belmont): The Wellington Burger is made from a special daily grind from a single cow with Savenor's Butchery, a local butcher, that is solely made for The Wellington. Available for Sunday brunch, Tuesday-Saturday lunch and weekly dinner (limited availability) for $26, The Wellington Burger is a double patty smash cheeseburger grilled with shaved vidalia onions, half sour pickles, lettuce, tomato, ketchup, truffle mayo & The Wellington's “well sauce”; and served with fries, home fries or salad. Gluten free buns are available, as well as the choice to add fried egg and/or bacon.

Miko’s Cafe (Brockton): In honor of National Burger Day, Miko's Cafe is unveiling its Secret Menu Item (George's Burger) which has only been available to those who've asked for it. George’s Burger is inspired by Miko’s patriarch and founding father, George, and features a cheeseburger with choice of American, provolone, cheddar or swiss cheese with grilled onions, peppers, and mushrooms served with french fries or onion rings for $14.99. 

2) Save the date this summer: Friday, June 26, from 5-8pm, to attend the Lakota Youthstay Pickleball Themed Fundraiser. Come and enjoy fun lawn games, delicious potluck, great raffle prizes, comraderie and good times while supporting a local summertime homestay program for Native youth from SD! Lakota Youthstay is a nonprofit which brings 10 kids, all expenses paid, aged 10-14 from the Lakota Sioux reservation in S. Dakota to Boston for 10 days of recreation, education, museum visits, art and most of all, fun! Host families are in Arlington, Medford & Winchester. 

Ken Zuckerman, the "Mustard Maestro," will be there, grilling sausages from Bianco & Sons, with a   great assortment of mustards. Recently, Ken has been mentioned, for his mustard expertise, in the New York Times Wirecutter and the Boston Globe.

There will be at least 8 fabulous, themed raffle gift baskets including pickleball, gardening, movie night, kids summertime fun, pool party for 4, cheese/mustard and jam, coffee/bagel, etc. Something for everyone! If you plan on attending, we prefer payment on the day of the event via cash, Venmo or check. If you cannot attend but would like to support the program with a donation, you can do so at https://lakotayouthstay.org/support/. If you would like to enter the raffles, go to Venmo @joy-harris-29, let us know how many sheets of raffle tickets you'd like (25 tix/sheet for $20). Be sure to include your name, contact info and and we will send you a list of raffle baskets to choose from.

Admission is $25/adult; $10/teens; kids under 12 are free! Raffle tickets are $20 for 25 tickets. You can Sign Up HERE!