I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food & drink events.
**********************************************************
1) Chef Tony Maws is preparing a special dinner at Craigie On Main for Valentine's Day. “What’s better than sharing a meal with someone special, with a really nice glass of wine and a beautifully prepared menu with fantastic ingredients? That’s what we are providing at Craigie On Main this February 14th” shares Maws.
THE MENU:
First Course
Sashimi of Hiramasa (pork belly sub)/red pear, red endive, pistachio, pink peppercorn vinaigrette
Or
Veloute of Oysters and Oyster mushrooms/caviar, cucumber, sake lees
Second Course
House-Made Red Beet Spaghetti/Lobster, butter, chervil
Or
Creamy “Bloody Butcher” grits/pheasant confit, Perigord black truffle, braised red cabbage, hazelnuts
Third Course
Wagyu Beef Three-Ways/red beets, blue foot mushrooms, pistachio, pomegranate jus
Or
Olive Oil-Poached Loup de Mer/horseradish, Macomber turnip, beurre rouge
Or
Salt-Baked Celeriac/Carolina Gold rice, blue foot mushrooms, Perigord Black Truffle
Dessert Amuse
Blood Orange and Campari Sorbet
Dessert
Chocolate tasting for 2 people
Craigie On Main is offering two menu options: a 5 Course Menu, $135 per person; and then a 4 Course Menu, $75 per person, beginning at 9:30pm.
Reservations are recommended by calling 617-497-5511
2) On Sunday, February 25, from 6pm-9pm, the team at Harvest welcomes guests to the 3rd Annual Winter Ice Party on their heated patio with proceeds from ticket sales going towards Furnishing Hope of Massachusetts. Dance, drink and dine as DJ Ryan Brown plays top hits while you can sip on frosty Harpoons and wintry ice luge drinks made with Knob Creek Straight Rye Whiskey.
Executive Chef Tyler Kinnett is serving up an array of fresh New England cuisine and party favorite bites including oysters, confit pork ribs and sandwiches, charred beets, fried mac & cheese and homemade pretzels. Finish off the night with sweets from an exclusive dessert bar specially prepared by Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship finalist and Executive Pastry Chef Joshua Livsey. Satisfy your sweet tooth with snowflake sugar cookies, French macaroons, doughnuts, and hot chocolate spheres.
This year, Harvest is joining forces with Furnishing Hope of Massachusetts whose mission is to help families who are transitioning out of homelessness create a home for themselves. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales will go towards providing families with basic furniture and household goods necessary to create a comfortable and nurturing environment.
Price is $55 per person. Space is limited and reservations are required. Call 617-868-2255 directly to book seats. Or visit to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-harvest-winter-ice-party-tickets-42214254973 purchase tickets.
3) Puritan & Company Chef/Owner Will Gilson has created a new, transport-friendly restaurant concept that debut this past Monday, February 5. Called Puritan Trading Company, this “Ghost Restaurant” will have a separate menu with a range of cuisine and concepts that cater to the takeout crowd and travel well. The food will be made out of the Puritan & Company kitchen, but the packaging and pickup of the orders will be completed out of the space next to Puritan & Company. The restaurant is working exclusively through Caviar for the launch. Customers are encouraged to order directly through the Caviar website.
According to Gilson, “The menu features food we love from our travels around the world and the foods that WE would want to eat if we ordered take out. And most importantly, the food on this menu is designed to be packaged and transported,” said Gilson. “Construction of a restaurant in the space next door featuring this menu would be too costly at this point, so it’s almost like making a restaurant without an address.”
The genesis of the idea came from Gilson and his culinary team looking at how to incorporate some new and unique dishes that didn’t work on the current Puritan & Company menu or fit into the current concept. They let the idea of delivery service take hold and make it a creative and fun way to still make creative dishes for guests that also travel well.
Some of the menu selections include:
Scallop and linguica dumplings-sweet and sour piri piri sauce or roasted garlic aioli
Street food style seared udon noodles-chicken, cauliflower, shishito peppers, green onions
Jonah crab rangoons-sweet and sour piri piri sauce or roasted garlic aioli
Fried whole belly clams -squid ink aioli, grilled lemon, jalapeno, thai basil
Grilled pork belly banh mi-quick pickles, cilantro, sub roll, hoisin bbq
Spicy white clam garlic toast
Double fried chicken wings-jalapeno, cilantro-lime aioli, Sichuan oil
Spicy Fried cauliflower -scallion, sesame, chili
Grilled marinated beef shortribs-ginger-scallion sauce
Guanciale fried chinese black rice
Crispy chicken sandwich -potato bun, pickles, iceberg, sweet and sour sauce
I was sitting at the bar at Puritan this past Monday and saw numerous Caviar pick-ups so it was clear that a good number of people were willing to try this new service. And if I lived closer, I'm sure I'd be using the service too.
Showing posts with label valentine's day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label valentine's day. Show all posts
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Sips & Nibbles: Valentine's Day Edition
I am back again with a special Valentine's Day edition of Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food & drink events.
**********************************************************
1) The most romantic day of the year is quickly approaching and il Molo in Boston’s North End neighborhood is serving up some serious romance for the occasion. Because the heart wants what it wants, Chef Pino Maffeo has created an extensive prix fixe menu that will have you covered no matter your sweetheart’s cravings; whether a seafood- or hearty meat-lover, there’s something on il Molo’s Valentine’s Day menu to impress everyone.
The three-course dinner will feature a combination of Chef Pino’s favorite New England classics and exciting seasonal-inspired dishes. Choose from appetizers such as Lobster Bisque, Burrata Salad or Classic Shrimp Cocktail which will lead the way for a heavenly main-course with menu highlights including Fra Diavlo, Grass Fed Sirloin, Stuffed Maine Lobster ($15 supplement) and Veal Milanese. Nothing spells l-o-v-e- quite like a rich and decadent treat, so end your dinner on a sweet note with one of Pastry Chef Gabriela’s homemade desserts such as Coconut Cake, Tiramisu or Chocolate Cake.
DATE: Wednesday, February 14, 4pm-11pm
COST: $65 per person, excluding gratuity & taxes.
Reservations are required so please call 857-277-1895. Credit card will be required to hold any reservations.
2) Kane’s Handcrafted Donuts is pleased to partner for the second year in a row with Sweethearts® Brand Candies on a limited-edition Valentine’s Day donut, the Sweethearts® Brand Donut. This creation will be available beginning February 1st through February 14th at both Kane’s Handcrafted Donuts locations: 120 Lincoln Avenue in Saugus and 90 Oliver Street in Boston’s Financial District.
The special Valentine’s Day donut is a decadent red velvet cake style donut, carefully dipped in a sweet cream cheese glaze and decorated with a custom version of NECCO®’s classic Valentine’s Day confectionery, Sweethearts®, which declares the Kane’s slogan, “Donuts are Love.”
“We are pleased to partner once again with a company like NECCO® with such a rich New England history,” said Paul Delios, co-owner and president of Kane’s Handcrafted Donuts. “We feel Valentine’s Day is the right holiday for us to join forces since Sweethearts® Brand is synonymous with the holiday, and because Kane’s ‘donuts are love.’ They’re the perfect way to tell your sweetheart just how much you love them.”
For the month of February, Kane’s is also featuring a Chocolate Orgasm Donut (pictured above),a cake style donut filled with creamy chocolate pudding, dipped in Hersey’s chocolate syrup and rolled in crushed chocolate cookies. This is certainly a great donut for Valentine's Day as well.
3) Oysters and romance go hand-in-hand just like going to Select Oyster Bar on Valentine's Day. Grab your date, a friend, or your mom and enjoy a memorable meal at Select where chef Michael Serpa will offer a prix fixe menu featuring a selection of crudos and more at just $75 per guest. Pair it with one of the many wines available by the bottle or glass.
Begin with Black Bass Crudo or Yellowfin Tuna Crudo. Then, choose Point Judith Calamari or Maine Lobster Salad. Finally, select Dayboat Scallops or Greek Bronzino.
This menu is available for dinner on Friday 2/9, Saturday 2/10 and Valentine's Day, Wednesday 2/14.
For reservations, please call (857) 239-8064
4) In celebration of Valentine’s Day on February 14, Sumiao Hunan Kitchen will be offering a lovingly-themed prix fixe menu for-two including a specialty cocktail and many of the restaurant’s new seasonal dishes. Sumiao’s beverage team will be mixing up a sweet and refreshing Peach Sangria for sipping, served alongside selections of hand-picked Hunan classics – including Steamed Pork Sausage, Avocado Meatballs, Sizzling Calamari and String Bean with Shang Gan – that will help conjure the image of love on this special day.
The $78 customizable, sharable three-course prix fixe options includes sangria, two appetizers, two entrées (with white rice included) and one dessert.
To make Reservations, please call 617-945-0907
5) Treat your sweetheart to a special Valentine’s Day weekend date night at the Seaport Hotel’s state-of-the-art Action Kitchen on Saturday, February 17th from 7:00-9:30pm. Relax by the fireplace and enjoy a four-course menu prepared by Executive Chef Robert Tobin, including Pan Roasted Rabbit Leg with cobb bacon, mustard sauce and house made pasta and Grilled Venison Rib Chop with smoked parsnip puree, duck fat potatoes and chocolate sauce, served with carefully selected rye and whiskey pairings from Vermont’s WhistlePig farm and distillery. Located in a 150-year-old dairy barn, WhistlePig uses homegrown rye to distill the whiskey and ages it in barrels made from their own oak trees.
Tickets are $150 per person and can be purchased online at www.whistlepigdinner.eventbrite.com. The event is open to guests 21 and over.
Please reserve your seat in advance as space is limited.
6) Blackbird Doughnuts has specials for Valentine's Day with heavenly flavors such as a Heart Shaped Boston Cream doughnut as well as a Sweetheart Doughnut Cake. Blackbird is also offering platters by the dozen wrapped in a ribbon and packaged box-of-chocolates-style for a never-ending, mouthwatering Valentine's Day experience.
Menu includes: Valentine's Half Dozen ($18)--one of each doughnut in their Valentine assortment & packaged in a box with gold foil sticker & ribbon; Valentine's Dozen ($36)--two of each doughnut in their Valentine assortment & packaged in a box with gold foil sticker & ribbon; Valentine's Assortment Platters ($108)--three dozen Valentine's doughnuts; Sweetheart Cake ($26)--citrus old fashioned donut cake filled with strawberry-raspberry jam, frosted with lemony cream cheese buttercream; and Valentine's Minis ($75)--a box of 50 mini-doughnuts decorated with Valentine's sprinkles, and select vanilla or chocolate ganache.
PS: Customers can select "naughty" or "nice" messages to be written on the doughnuts.
Call Blackbird at 617-482-9000 by Monday, 2/12 at 2pm to guarantee your order. They will also be available on Valentine's Day for walk-in purchases.
7) For Valentine's Day, you often give gifts of chocolate or other candies so let me give you one of my favorite candy recommendations. McCrea's Candies produces a diverse variety of tasty caramels and I've long been a fan of their caramels. Some of their flavors include: Black Lava Sea Salt, Single Malt Scotch, Rosemary Truffle Sea Salt, Tapped Maple, Classic Vanilla, and Ginger Fusion. I'm also pleased that this is a local company, another reason for my support.
For Valentine's Day, they offer a Chocolate Caramel Box ($24.95), containing 36 pieces of Deep Chocolate Caramels, wrapped in a festive box. You could also gift someone a 3 month, 6 month of 12 month membership in their Caramel of the Month Club. Each month, the recipient will receive 36 pieces of one of their special flavored caramels. My favorite flavor is their Single Malt Scotch, which is made with Ardmore Scotch, and it would please any Scotch lover.
**********************************************************
1) The most romantic day of the year is quickly approaching and il Molo in Boston’s North End neighborhood is serving up some serious romance for the occasion. Because the heart wants what it wants, Chef Pino Maffeo has created an extensive prix fixe menu that will have you covered no matter your sweetheart’s cravings; whether a seafood- or hearty meat-lover, there’s something on il Molo’s Valentine’s Day menu to impress everyone.
The three-course dinner will feature a combination of Chef Pino’s favorite New England classics and exciting seasonal-inspired dishes. Choose from appetizers such as Lobster Bisque, Burrata Salad or Classic Shrimp Cocktail which will lead the way for a heavenly main-course with menu highlights including Fra Diavlo, Grass Fed Sirloin, Stuffed Maine Lobster ($15 supplement) and Veal Milanese. Nothing spells l-o-v-e- quite like a rich and decadent treat, so end your dinner on a sweet note with one of Pastry Chef Gabriela’s homemade desserts such as Coconut Cake, Tiramisu or Chocolate Cake.
DATE: Wednesday, February 14, 4pm-11pm
COST: $65 per person, excluding gratuity & taxes.
Reservations are required so please call 857-277-1895. Credit card will be required to hold any reservations.
2) Kane’s Handcrafted Donuts is pleased to partner for the second year in a row with Sweethearts® Brand Candies on a limited-edition Valentine’s Day donut, the Sweethearts® Brand Donut. This creation will be available beginning February 1st through February 14th at both Kane’s Handcrafted Donuts locations: 120 Lincoln Avenue in Saugus and 90 Oliver Street in Boston’s Financial District.
The special Valentine’s Day donut is a decadent red velvet cake style donut, carefully dipped in a sweet cream cheese glaze and decorated with a custom version of NECCO®’s classic Valentine’s Day confectionery, Sweethearts®, which declares the Kane’s slogan, “Donuts are Love.”
“We are pleased to partner once again with a company like NECCO® with such a rich New England history,” said Paul Delios, co-owner and president of Kane’s Handcrafted Donuts. “We feel Valentine’s Day is the right holiday for us to join forces since Sweethearts® Brand is synonymous with the holiday, and because Kane’s ‘donuts are love.’ They’re the perfect way to tell your sweetheart just how much you love them.”
3) Oysters and romance go hand-in-hand just like going to Select Oyster Bar on Valentine's Day. Grab your date, a friend, or your mom and enjoy a memorable meal at Select where chef Michael Serpa will offer a prix fixe menu featuring a selection of crudos and more at just $75 per guest. Pair it with one of the many wines available by the bottle or glass.
Begin with Black Bass Crudo or Yellowfin Tuna Crudo. Then, choose Point Judith Calamari or Maine Lobster Salad. Finally, select Dayboat Scallops or Greek Bronzino.
This menu is available for dinner on Friday 2/9, Saturday 2/10 and Valentine's Day, Wednesday 2/14.
For reservations, please call (857) 239-8064
4) In celebration of Valentine’s Day on February 14, Sumiao Hunan Kitchen will be offering a lovingly-themed prix fixe menu for-two including a specialty cocktail and many of the restaurant’s new seasonal dishes. Sumiao’s beverage team will be mixing up a sweet and refreshing Peach Sangria for sipping, served alongside selections of hand-picked Hunan classics – including Steamed Pork Sausage, Avocado Meatballs, Sizzling Calamari and String Bean with Shang Gan – that will help conjure the image of love on this special day.
The $78 customizable, sharable three-course prix fixe options includes sangria, two appetizers, two entrées (with white rice included) and one dessert.
To make Reservations, please call 617-945-0907
5) Treat your sweetheart to a special Valentine’s Day weekend date night at the Seaport Hotel’s state-of-the-art Action Kitchen on Saturday, February 17th from 7:00-9:30pm. Relax by the fireplace and enjoy a four-course menu prepared by Executive Chef Robert Tobin, including Pan Roasted Rabbit Leg with cobb bacon, mustard sauce and house made pasta and Grilled Venison Rib Chop with smoked parsnip puree, duck fat potatoes and chocolate sauce, served with carefully selected rye and whiskey pairings from Vermont’s WhistlePig farm and distillery. Located in a 150-year-old dairy barn, WhistlePig uses homegrown rye to distill the whiskey and ages it in barrels made from their own oak trees.
Tickets are $150 per person and can be purchased online at www.whistlepigdinner.eventbrite.com. The event is open to guests 21 and over.
Please reserve your seat in advance as space is limited.
6) Blackbird Doughnuts has specials for Valentine's Day with heavenly flavors such as a Heart Shaped Boston Cream doughnut as well as a Sweetheart Doughnut Cake. Blackbird is also offering platters by the dozen wrapped in a ribbon and packaged box-of-chocolates-style for a never-ending, mouthwatering Valentine's Day experience.
Menu includes: Valentine's Half Dozen ($18)--one of each doughnut in their Valentine assortment & packaged in a box with gold foil sticker & ribbon; Valentine's Dozen ($36)--two of each doughnut in their Valentine assortment & packaged in a box with gold foil sticker & ribbon; Valentine's Assortment Platters ($108)--three dozen Valentine's doughnuts; Sweetheart Cake ($26)--citrus old fashioned donut cake filled with strawberry-raspberry jam, frosted with lemony cream cheese buttercream; and Valentine's Minis ($75)--a box of 50 mini-doughnuts decorated with Valentine's sprinkles, and select vanilla or chocolate ganache.
Call Blackbird at 617-482-9000 by Monday, 2/12 at 2pm to guarantee your order. They will also be available on Valentine's Day for walk-in purchases.
7) For Valentine's Day, you often give gifts of chocolate or other candies so let me give you one of my favorite candy recommendations. McCrea's Candies produces a diverse variety of tasty caramels and I've long been a fan of their caramels. Some of their flavors include: Black Lava Sea Salt, Single Malt Scotch, Rosemary Truffle Sea Salt, Tapped Maple, Classic Vanilla, and Ginger Fusion. I'm also pleased that this is a local company, another reason for my support.
For Valentine's Day, they offer a Chocolate Caramel Box ($24.95), containing 36 pieces of Deep Chocolate Caramels, wrapped in a festive box. You could also gift someone a 3 month, 6 month of 12 month membership in their Caramel of the Month Club. Each month, the recipient will receive 36 pieces of one of their special flavored caramels. My favorite flavor is their Single Malt Scotch, which is made with Ardmore Scotch, and it would please any Scotch lover.
Thursday, January 25, 2018
Sips & Nibbles: Valentine's Day Edition
I am back again with a special Valentine's Day edition of Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food & drink events.
**********************************************************
1) The Automatic Food + Drink loves heat, spice, sweat and tears. So, of course The Automatic is hosting its own unique Cupid's Hell Night on February 14. With hot chili peppers as one of the most popular and powerful aphrodisiacs, what’s not to love at Cupid’s Hell Night at The Automatic? Plus, let’s be honest, it is a great excuse for Cousin Dave to dress up like Cupid.
Chris Schlesinger has handed over the flames to Chef Martin and he is up for the challenge. Martin is creating a menu that will put every sense to the ultimate test. According to Cousin Dave Cagle, “We aren’t holding your hand through this one. That’s what your Valentine is for.”
Two seatings, beginning at 6pm. Reservations highly recommended as The Automatic Hell Nights always sell out. To make a reservation, please call 617-714-5226.
2) Spend a romantic night out with your one-and-only at RUKA by indulging in a four-course prix fixe menu for $55 per person. Enjoy the Tuna Roja Maki, a heart-shaped spicy tuna roll hugged in tuna sashimi, before digging into savory V-Day specials such as the Lobster Lomo Saltado and Grilled Corazon de Ribeye. To finish, satisfy your sweet tooth with the Pink Velvet Albaricocada, a Japanese sponge cake topped with dulce de leche, apricot marmalade, coconut meringue, besos de moza ice cream and drizzled with pink chocolate ganache. For Reservations, please call (617) 266-0102
Make it a staycation by reserving a room at The Godfrey Hotel with their Love Takes Over package. Guests of the hotel on the 14th will receive double occupancy accommodations, a bottle of Veuve Cliquot champagne, beloved classic mouse chocolates from L.A. Burdick, overnight valet parking and a 2pm check-out.
3) Love is treating that special someone to a romantic dinner at Yvonne’s. On Valentine’s Day, enjoy dinner specials such as the Spice-Smoked Duck Breast ($15) served with a sherry glazed celery root, quince jam and vegetable escabeche and the Honey Walnut Shrimp ($17) with a hot ginger honey, charred gai lan, chili mayo, and buddha’s hand citrus. End the night with the Chain & Whip ($10), a dessert featuring red velvet cheesecake, twisted doughnut, whipped chocolate ganache and unicorn sprinkles. For Reservations, please call 617-267-0047
4) Take that special someone out for an evening they will not forget. Chef Josue at Bistro du Midi has put together a special four course, multi-choice menu with optional wine pairings. You can enjoy dishes such as Chamomile Cured Scallop, Wagyu Beef Tartare, Seared Foie Gras, Duck Breast, Venison Loin, and Dulcey Ganache. The Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu is $105 per guest, with an optional $65 wine pairing. Both bars welcome walk-ins only, with a limited special Valentine’s Day Bar Menu. To make Reservations, please call 617-426-7878.
5) The team at Chopps American Bar and Grill invites guests to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special Chef’s Tasting Menu, available Friday, February 9th-Saturday, February 17th. Executive Chef Steve Zimei has crafted an exclusive menu for lovebirds in addition to the a la carte menu items.
The full Valentine’s Weekend Chef’s Tasting Menu is as follows:
First Course
French Onion Soup, Caramelized Onions, Sherry, Cheese Crostini
Second Course
Lobster Gnocchi, Ricotta Gnocchi, Maine Lobster, Winter Vegetable, Mascarpone
Entrée
Aspen Ridge Short Ribs, Five Spice, Celery Root, Salsify, Wild Mushroom, Smoked Bacon Brodo
Dessert
Butter Scotch Pot De Crème, Candied Pistachio Brittle
The Boston Marriott Burlington invites guests to take the elevator home with a Romance Package. Treat your sweetheart to this special package featuring overnight accommodations for two, dinner, and breakfast at Chopps American Bar and Grill, and a $50 gift card to Longs Jewelers to pick up something special. Guests will receive a bottle of champagne hand-delivered to their room to sip and savor and toast to each other.
6) Celebrate with the one you love in Kendall Square this February 14 at Sulmona Restaurant + Bar. Chef Delio’s has crafted some exclusive menu additions full of amore. The Sulmona team is also featuring a special wine for the evening, the 2013 San Silvestro Barolo, which is available by the glass or bottle.
The full Valentine’s Day a la carte menu:
Amuse-Bouche
Goat Cheese Panna Cotta, marinated Blood Orange, white balsamic
Appetizer
Delicata Squash & Brown Butter Mascarpone Cannelloni, cipollini onion agrodolce, toasted sage
Entrees
--Duck Duo (For Two), crispy confit leg, pan roasted breast, sun choke gratin, braised trevisano, black cherry grappa jus
--Fish of the Night, prosciutto wrapped monkfish, Romanesco, sage gnocchi, tangerine cream
--Lobster, potato gnocchi, poached Maine lobster, morel mushrooms, tarragon
Dessert
Dark Chocolate Panettone Bead Pudding, milk chocolate crème fraiche, fresh strawberries
To make Reservations, please call the restaurant at 617-714-4995.
**********************************************************
1) The Automatic Food + Drink loves heat, spice, sweat and tears. So, of course The Automatic is hosting its own unique Cupid's Hell Night on February 14. With hot chili peppers as one of the most popular and powerful aphrodisiacs, what’s not to love at Cupid’s Hell Night at The Automatic? Plus, let’s be honest, it is a great excuse for Cousin Dave to dress up like Cupid.
Chris Schlesinger has handed over the flames to Chef Martin and he is up for the challenge. Martin is creating a menu that will put every sense to the ultimate test. According to Cousin Dave Cagle, “We aren’t holding your hand through this one. That’s what your Valentine is for.”
Two seatings, beginning at 6pm. Reservations highly recommended as The Automatic Hell Nights always sell out. To make a reservation, please call 617-714-5226.
2) Spend a romantic night out with your one-and-only at RUKA by indulging in a four-course prix fixe menu for $55 per person. Enjoy the Tuna Roja Maki, a heart-shaped spicy tuna roll hugged in tuna sashimi, before digging into savory V-Day specials such as the Lobster Lomo Saltado and Grilled Corazon de Ribeye. To finish, satisfy your sweet tooth with the Pink Velvet Albaricocada, a Japanese sponge cake topped with dulce de leche, apricot marmalade, coconut meringue, besos de moza ice cream and drizzled with pink chocolate ganache. For Reservations, please call (617) 266-0102
Make it a staycation by reserving a room at The Godfrey Hotel with their Love Takes Over package. Guests of the hotel on the 14th will receive double occupancy accommodations, a bottle of Veuve Cliquot champagne, beloved classic mouse chocolates from L.A. Burdick, overnight valet parking and a 2pm check-out.
3) Love is treating that special someone to a romantic dinner at Yvonne’s. On Valentine’s Day, enjoy dinner specials such as the Spice-Smoked Duck Breast ($15) served with a sherry glazed celery root, quince jam and vegetable escabeche and the Honey Walnut Shrimp ($17) with a hot ginger honey, charred gai lan, chili mayo, and buddha’s hand citrus. End the night with the Chain & Whip ($10), a dessert featuring red velvet cheesecake, twisted doughnut, whipped chocolate ganache and unicorn sprinkles. For Reservations, please call 617-267-0047
4) Take that special someone out for an evening they will not forget. Chef Josue at Bistro du Midi has put together a special four course, multi-choice menu with optional wine pairings. You can enjoy dishes such as Chamomile Cured Scallop, Wagyu Beef Tartare, Seared Foie Gras, Duck Breast, Venison Loin, and Dulcey Ganache. The Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu is $105 per guest, with an optional $65 wine pairing. Both bars welcome walk-ins only, with a limited special Valentine’s Day Bar Menu. To make Reservations, please call 617-426-7878.
5) The team at Chopps American Bar and Grill invites guests to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a special Chef’s Tasting Menu, available Friday, February 9th-Saturday, February 17th. Executive Chef Steve Zimei has crafted an exclusive menu for lovebirds in addition to the a la carte menu items.
The full Valentine’s Weekend Chef’s Tasting Menu is as follows:
First Course
French Onion Soup, Caramelized Onions, Sherry, Cheese Crostini
Second Course
Lobster Gnocchi, Ricotta Gnocchi, Maine Lobster, Winter Vegetable, Mascarpone
Entrée
Aspen Ridge Short Ribs, Five Spice, Celery Root, Salsify, Wild Mushroom, Smoked Bacon Brodo
Dessert
Butter Scotch Pot De Crème, Candied Pistachio Brittle
The Boston Marriott Burlington invites guests to take the elevator home with a Romance Package. Treat your sweetheart to this special package featuring overnight accommodations for two, dinner, and breakfast at Chopps American Bar and Grill, and a $50 gift card to Longs Jewelers to pick up something special. Guests will receive a bottle of champagne hand-delivered to their room to sip and savor and toast to each other.
6) Celebrate with the one you love in Kendall Square this February 14 at Sulmona Restaurant + Bar. Chef Delio’s has crafted some exclusive menu additions full of amore. The Sulmona team is also featuring a special wine for the evening, the 2013 San Silvestro Barolo, which is available by the glass or bottle.
The full Valentine’s Day a la carte menu:
Amuse-Bouche
Goat Cheese Panna Cotta, marinated Blood Orange, white balsamic
Appetizer
Delicata Squash & Brown Butter Mascarpone Cannelloni, cipollini onion agrodolce, toasted sage
Entrees
--Duck Duo (For Two), crispy confit leg, pan roasted breast, sun choke gratin, braised trevisano, black cherry grappa jus
--Fish of the Night, prosciutto wrapped monkfish, Romanesco, sage gnocchi, tangerine cream
--Lobster, potato gnocchi, poached Maine lobster, morel mushrooms, tarragon
Dessert
Dark Chocolate Panettone Bead Pudding, milk chocolate crème fraiche, fresh strawberries
To make Reservations, please call the restaurant at 617-714-4995.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Sips & Nibbles: Valentine's Day Edition
I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food & drink events.
**********************************************************
1) Doretta Taverna & Raw Bar knows that Tuesday isn’t the ideal day for a Valentine’s night out, which is why they are letting guests celebrate on their own schedule by offering the special V-day menu from Friday, February 10th until Saturday, February 19th. Doretta will be offering a $65 per person tasting menu with an optional $30 per person wine pairing, a $75 raw tower, and a special bar menu addition of Surf and Turf for 2. This romantic menu features a raw bar, spreads with house-made pita and salad, choose your own mezze, shared entrée, and dessert.
For reservations, please call (617) 422-0008
2) Posto, the Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar located in the heart of Davis Square, is offering, on Tuesday, February 14th, a romantic Valentine’s Day menu that will surely impress your honey. Featuring Cotuit Oysters, Lobster Bisque, Black Truffle Mac’N’Cheese, Duck Tortelloni, Fig Risotto, Cauciucco, L’Opera Cake, and Vanilla Panna Cotta. This 3 course prix fixe menu is available for $50 per person or guests can enjoy selected favorites from Posto’s regular menu. Reservations are recommended.
For reservations, please call (617) 625-0600
3) Romance is alive and well at Bar Boulud, Boston in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, and Chef de Cuisine Michael Denk is getting ready to make hearts and stomachs, swoon! Featuring a three-course prix fixe menu ($90 per person) with the option of sommelier selected wine pairings (+$55), Chef Denk’s Valentine’s Day menu will be served as follows:
Amuse Bouche – Smoked Scallop, crème fraiche, pickled kumquat, caviar
First Course (choice of one):
--Endive Salad – roasted beets, goat cheese croquette, candied walnuts, sherry vinaigrette;
--Sunchoke Velouté – lemon Chantilly, garlic chip, scallion;
--Citrus –Cured Fluke – blood orange, rainbow carrots, candied ginger, cilantro;
--Foie Gras Mousse – grenadine poached quince, almonds, housemade brioche.
Second Course (choice of one):
--Wild Mushroom Ravioli – confit leeks, porcini parmesan broth, prosciutto chip;
--American Snapper – “count neck” clams, shrimp, saffron broth, baby fennel;
--Beef Duo – braised short rib, filet mignon, bone marrow crust, pommes aligot, broccoli rabe, Tokyo turnips, natural jus.
Dessert to Share – (Created by Pastry Chef Robert Differ)
--Rouleau J’Adore – red velvet cake, cream cheese mousse, roasted strawberry ice cream
For reservations, please call (617) 535-8800
4) Besito Mexican, with locations in Chestnut Hill and Burlington, is spicing up Valentine’s Day with a duo of guest-favorite “Platos Principales” specials, including Pescado Relleno, pan-roasted filet of Mahi Mahi stuffed with shrimp, lobster and crabmeat, served over roasted Brussels sprouts and topped with a red bell pepper habanero cream salsa ($32), and Bistec en Salsa Verde, cilantro-marinated pan-seared New York Strip Steak topped with queso asado, guacamole and grilled shrimp ($30).
A love-inducing cocktail, the Mi Rosa, a blend of Patron Roca Reposado tequila, guava nectar, simple syrup and fresh lime juice, garnished with a rose petal ($13) is perfect for sipping with your better half, while the Choco Flan, Besito’s famous chocolate cake and caramel flan topped with fresh whipped cream, tequila cream sauce and fresh strawberry sauce, guarantees a sweet ending to the celebratory meal ($8).
For reservations, please call: Chestnut Hill (617) 527-1155, Burlington (781) 272-9900
5) On Tuesday, February 14, Terramia Ristorante, located in the heart of Boston’s North End, is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a four-course prix fixe menu featuring a romantic take on traditional Italian dishes.
Guests can start dinner off with a glass of Villa Sandi Il Fresco Prosecco Brut accompanied by their choice of appetizers including the Insalata di Spinaci with dried California figs, toasted Pignoli nuts and gorgonzola dolce tossed in a pancetta vinaigrette; Caprese, a fresh buffalo mozzarella and tomato salad with basil and olive oil; or the Zuppa Di Funghi, wild mushrooms and chestnut soup with goat cheese and truffle oil. In true Italian fashion there will be a course dedicated to pasta with options such as Pappardelle alla Bolognese, Ravioli di Aragosta, and Risotto Porcini e Asparagi before moving to the main course which includes: Pollo Marsala served with wild mushrooms, smoked pancetta, herb roasted potato and thyme Marsala cream sauce; Filet Mignon with truffle potato mash, sautéed broccoli rabe and a red wine reduction; or Pan Seared Salmon with mustard crab meat crust, roasted potato, wilted baby spinach and a citrus reduction. The night will end on a sweet note when guests choose between the Tiramisu or Torta al Cioccolato Senza Farina, house-baked flourless chocolate cake.
The four-course dinner is $75 per person (tax and gratuity not included).
Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling Terramia at (617) 523-3112.
6) This Valentine’s Day, TAMO Bistro + Bar at the Seaport Hotel will roll out a special menu to attract lovebirds – and lovers of deals – which will feature an array of hors d’oeuvres, followed by a two-course menu and a shared bottle of wine for only $50 per person (plus tax and service).
Highlights from Chef Robert Tobin’s Valentine’s Day menu include a local oyster selection with champagne hibiscus granite and exceptional entrees such as duck two ways (confit & roasted with ancient grains, pomegranate, pearl onions) and a lamb shank. For dessert, treat yourself to the chocolate molten cake (cappuccino ice cream and cardamom anglaise) or the ginger flan (dulce de leche, apricots, whipped cream). Top it off by sharing a festive, rum-based Cupid Bowl (Bacardi mango rum, Bacardi coconut rum, mango & cranberry juices, absinthe, strawberries, passion fruit - $40) with your Valentine, which has been added to TAMO’s cocktail list just in time for holiday.
COST: $50 per person plus tax & service
For reservations, please call (617) 385-4304
7) Bring your date to Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, located in Boston’s Back Bay, for a romantic rendezvous this Valentine’s Day. Davio’s Executive Chef Eric Swartz has prepared a special three-course prix-fixe menu for the evening, which includes items such as the Maine Lobster Risotto, Asparagus, Fresh Herbs, Lobster Cream and 12 oz Prime New York Sirloin, Horseradish Mashed, Green Beans, Bordelaise. The menu will be available Tuesday, February 14th, 2017 for $95 per guest (excluding tax & gratuity).
Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (617) 357-4810.
Please note that this will be the only menu available for the evening.
8) This Valentine’s Day, “seas” the love at Saltie Girl, the latest endeavor from restaurateur Kathy Sidell. Throughout the weekend, Friday, February 10th, through Sunday, February 12th, and of course on Tuesday, February 14th, guests will enjoy seven savory specials in addition to Saltie Girl’s regular dinner menu. Guests also have the rare opportunity to make reservations on Tuesday, February 14th, 2017, for one night only.
Executive Chef Kyle McClelland has crafted an impressive à la carte menu to compliment the regular dinner options with shareable seafood dishes like Whole Lobster for Two “Chinese Style,” with ginger, scallion and coconut sticky rice, as well as Whole Fried Black Bass for Two with hen of the wood mushrooms, garlic peapods and black garlic sauce. Other featured dishes include Whole Roasted Foie Gras with king trumpet mushrooms and BBQ eel, as well as Hawaiian Kanpachi with grapefruit, kumquat, Serrano chili pepper, trout roe and smoked olive oil. End the evening in true decadence with Oysters and Caviar with Meyer lemon foam, cucumber and caviar.
To make a reservation, please call (617) 267-0691
**********************************************************
1) Doretta Taverna & Raw Bar knows that Tuesday isn’t the ideal day for a Valentine’s night out, which is why they are letting guests celebrate on their own schedule by offering the special V-day menu from Friday, February 10th until Saturday, February 19th. Doretta will be offering a $65 per person tasting menu with an optional $30 per person wine pairing, a $75 raw tower, and a special bar menu addition of Surf and Turf for 2. This romantic menu features a raw bar, spreads with house-made pita and salad, choose your own mezze, shared entrée, and dessert.
For reservations, please call (617) 422-0008
2) Posto, the Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar located in the heart of Davis Square, is offering, on Tuesday, February 14th, a romantic Valentine’s Day menu that will surely impress your honey. Featuring Cotuit Oysters, Lobster Bisque, Black Truffle Mac’N’Cheese, Duck Tortelloni, Fig Risotto, Cauciucco, L’Opera Cake, and Vanilla Panna Cotta. This 3 course prix fixe menu is available for $50 per person or guests can enjoy selected favorites from Posto’s regular menu. Reservations are recommended.
For reservations, please call (617) 625-0600
3) Romance is alive and well at Bar Boulud, Boston in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, and Chef de Cuisine Michael Denk is getting ready to make hearts and stomachs, swoon! Featuring a three-course prix fixe menu ($90 per person) with the option of sommelier selected wine pairings (+$55), Chef Denk’s Valentine’s Day menu will be served as follows:
Amuse Bouche – Smoked Scallop, crème fraiche, pickled kumquat, caviar
First Course (choice of one):
--Endive Salad – roasted beets, goat cheese croquette, candied walnuts, sherry vinaigrette;
--Sunchoke Velouté – lemon Chantilly, garlic chip, scallion;
--Citrus –Cured Fluke – blood orange, rainbow carrots, candied ginger, cilantro;
--Foie Gras Mousse – grenadine poached quince, almonds, housemade brioche.
Second Course (choice of one):
--Wild Mushroom Ravioli – confit leeks, porcini parmesan broth, prosciutto chip;
--American Snapper – “count neck” clams, shrimp, saffron broth, baby fennel;
--Beef Duo – braised short rib, filet mignon, bone marrow crust, pommes aligot, broccoli rabe, Tokyo turnips, natural jus.
Dessert to Share – (Created by Pastry Chef Robert Differ)
--Rouleau J’Adore – red velvet cake, cream cheese mousse, roasted strawberry ice cream
For reservations, please call (617) 535-8800
4) Besito Mexican, with locations in Chestnut Hill and Burlington, is spicing up Valentine’s Day with a duo of guest-favorite “Platos Principales” specials, including Pescado Relleno, pan-roasted filet of Mahi Mahi stuffed with shrimp, lobster and crabmeat, served over roasted Brussels sprouts and topped with a red bell pepper habanero cream salsa ($32), and Bistec en Salsa Verde, cilantro-marinated pan-seared New York Strip Steak topped with queso asado, guacamole and grilled shrimp ($30).
A love-inducing cocktail, the Mi Rosa, a blend of Patron Roca Reposado tequila, guava nectar, simple syrup and fresh lime juice, garnished with a rose petal ($13) is perfect for sipping with your better half, while the Choco Flan, Besito’s famous chocolate cake and caramel flan topped with fresh whipped cream, tequila cream sauce and fresh strawberry sauce, guarantees a sweet ending to the celebratory meal ($8).
For reservations, please call: Chestnut Hill (617) 527-1155, Burlington (781) 272-9900
5) On Tuesday, February 14, Terramia Ristorante, located in the heart of Boston’s North End, is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a four-course prix fixe menu featuring a romantic take on traditional Italian dishes.
Guests can start dinner off with a glass of Villa Sandi Il Fresco Prosecco Brut accompanied by their choice of appetizers including the Insalata di Spinaci with dried California figs, toasted Pignoli nuts and gorgonzola dolce tossed in a pancetta vinaigrette; Caprese, a fresh buffalo mozzarella and tomato salad with basil and olive oil; or the Zuppa Di Funghi, wild mushrooms and chestnut soup with goat cheese and truffle oil. In true Italian fashion there will be a course dedicated to pasta with options such as Pappardelle alla Bolognese, Ravioli di Aragosta, and Risotto Porcini e Asparagi before moving to the main course which includes: Pollo Marsala served with wild mushrooms, smoked pancetta, herb roasted potato and thyme Marsala cream sauce; Filet Mignon with truffle potato mash, sautéed broccoli rabe and a red wine reduction; or Pan Seared Salmon with mustard crab meat crust, roasted potato, wilted baby spinach and a citrus reduction. The night will end on a sweet note when guests choose between the Tiramisu or Torta al Cioccolato Senza Farina, house-baked flourless chocolate cake.
The four-course dinner is $75 per person (tax and gratuity not included).
Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling Terramia at (617) 523-3112.
6) This Valentine’s Day, TAMO Bistro + Bar at the Seaport Hotel will roll out a special menu to attract lovebirds – and lovers of deals – which will feature an array of hors d’oeuvres, followed by a two-course menu and a shared bottle of wine for only $50 per person (plus tax and service).
Highlights from Chef Robert Tobin’s Valentine’s Day menu include a local oyster selection with champagne hibiscus granite and exceptional entrees such as duck two ways (confit & roasted with ancient grains, pomegranate, pearl onions) and a lamb shank. For dessert, treat yourself to the chocolate molten cake (cappuccino ice cream and cardamom anglaise) or the ginger flan (dulce de leche, apricots, whipped cream). Top it off by sharing a festive, rum-based Cupid Bowl (Bacardi mango rum, Bacardi coconut rum, mango & cranberry juices, absinthe, strawberries, passion fruit - $40) with your Valentine, which has been added to TAMO’s cocktail list just in time for holiday.
COST: $50 per person plus tax & service
For reservations, please call (617) 385-4304
7) Bring your date to Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, located in Boston’s Back Bay, for a romantic rendezvous this Valentine’s Day. Davio’s Executive Chef Eric Swartz has prepared a special three-course prix-fixe menu for the evening, which includes items such as the Maine Lobster Risotto, Asparagus, Fresh Herbs, Lobster Cream and 12 oz Prime New York Sirloin, Horseradish Mashed, Green Beans, Bordelaise. The menu will be available Tuesday, February 14th, 2017 for $95 per guest (excluding tax & gratuity).
Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (617) 357-4810.
Please note that this will be the only menu available for the evening.
8) This Valentine’s Day, “seas” the love at Saltie Girl, the latest endeavor from restaurateur Kathy Sidell. Throughout the weekend, Friday, February 10th, through Sunday, February 12th, and of course on Tuesday, February 14th, guests will enjoy seven savory specials in addition to Saltie Girl’s regular dinner menu. Guests also have the rare opportunity to make reservations on Tuesday, February 14th, 2017, for one night only.
Executive Chef Kyle McClelland has crafted an impressive à la carte menu to compliment the regular dinner options with shareable seafood dishes like Whole Lobster for Two “Chinese Style,” with ginger, scallion and coconut sticky rice, as well as Whole Fried Black Bass for Two with hen of the wood mushrooms, garlic peapods and black garlic sauce. Other featured dishes include Whole Roasted Foie Gras with king trumpet mushrooms and BBQ eel, as well as Hawaiian Kanpachi with grapefruit, kumquat, Serrano chili pepper, trout roe and smoked olive oil. End the evening in true decadence with Oysters and Caviar with Meyer lemon foam, cucumber and caviar.
To make a reservation, please call (617) 267-0691
Thursday, January 19, 2017
Thursday Sips & Nibbles
I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food & drink events.
**********************************************************
1) Bistro Duet is now open and offers guests a modern French dining experience in one of Arlington's most iconic buildings--the former Arlington Five Cent Savings Bank. Bistro Duet reunites InterContinental Hotel, Boston alumnae Cyrille Couet and Wayne Duprey.
"Bistro Duet will celebrate the uniqueness of the iconic bank space while offering contemporary French food and drink in an casually elegant neighborhood environment," says Co-Owner and General Manager Wayne Duprey.
Executive Chef and Co-Owner Cyrille Couet is from Frances's Loire Valley, where he began cooking in his uncle’s restaurant at the age of thirteen. Chef Couet's international career has taken him across Europe, the West Indies and the United States. Chef Cyrille was the inaugural chef of Miel Brasserie at the InterContinental, Boston where he worked alongside with Bistro Duet co-owner Wayne Duprey. Chef Couet, most recently, was the executive chef at the Questrom School of Business at Boston University.
A native of Dracut, Massachusetts, Bistro Duet co-owner Wayne Duprey will act as general manager. Wayne has managed restaurant and bar operations in the U.S., Europe and Asia. Most recently, he was the assistant director of food and beverage at the Four Seasons Resort, Hualalai in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Previously, he was Director of Bars at the InterContinental, Boston.
Bistro Duet is a 110-seat restaurant with private dining options. Adjacent to the dining room, the Bistro Duet bar will feature hard-to-find French herbal liqueurs and a selection of locally distilled spirits and regional craft beers. Beverage Operations will be supervised by Wember Castillo, most recently from Oak Long Bar + Kitchen and also formerly of Rumba at the InterContinental, Boston.
Messieurs Couet and Duprey have assembled a menu designed to appeal to all palates and pocketbooks. Whether you want to dine casually in the bar lounge side of the restaurant or with more formality in the gorgeous dining room, Bistro Duet will serve you the finest modern French cuisine, seasonally and regionally sourced.
2) On Wednesday, January 25, from 6:30pm-9pm, Civic Kitchen & Drink is hosting its first annual Robert Burns Scotch Dinner to pay tribute to one of Scotland's finest on his birthday, Robert Burns! Widely known as the national poet laureate of Scotland, Burns dinners are held on this day all around the world with whisky, poetry, haggis...and kilts.
Civic Kitchen & Drink just opened in 2016. Chef Rick Araujo and GM/Beverage Director Sarah Lee create memorable food and beverage pairings that are worth the drive. This dinner may be the most memorable yet as they celebrate their love for Robert Burns & Scotch.
“We are excited to put our own spin on traditional Scottish foods, because, well, haggis!!” shares Araujo. The team at Civic Kitchen & Drink is working closely with Special Guest and Whiskey Expert Charles Tower, of Lost Distilleries and Julio's Liquors. The dinner will feature classic and New World scotches paired with dishes created by Araujo and his team.
“We are excited to host this amazing tradition and we anticipate a sold-out night” says Lee. “What more could you want? A night of Scotch, Poetry, Amazing Food, and yes, I’ve heard there may be kilts!”
Cost: $69 per person
For Reservations, please call 508-329-5142
3) Posto will be celebrating this Valentine’s Day with a prix fixe, three-course menu for $50 per person. In addition to the prix fixe menu, guests may also choose to order from a selection of favorite items from Posto’s regular menu.
The prix fixe menu will include:
Primi Piatti
--Cotuit Oysters with preserved kumquat, arbol chilies, and thyme
--Lobster Bisque with sweet potato, crème fraiche, and chives
--Black Truffle Mac ‘n Cheese with gruyere fondutta, elbow macaroni, and parmesan bread crumbs
Secondi Piatti
--Duck Tortellini with braised duck leg, goat cheese, cherries, and thyme
--Fig Risotto with thyme, black mission figs, and parmesan
--Cauciucco with saffron, clams, mussels, shrimp, cod, and monkfish
Dolci
--L’ Opera Cake: almond sponge cake with amaretto cream and chocolate ganache
--Vanilla Panna Cotta with fresh berries and blood orange sciroppo
For Reservations, please call 617-625-0600
4) Alas, Chocolee Chocolates shuttered its acclaimed retail shop on Dartmouth Street in 2014, but chocolatier Lee Napoli -- whose expertise in all things sweet is legendary in this city -- continues her legacy by sharing her chocolate-making knowledge in a spacious South End classroom on Saturday afternoons at 2:00 p.m.
Classes size is limited, and instruction includes:
- tempering high quality chocolate
- making toasted chocolate almond bark
- mixing the perfect ganache
- learning to scoop, roll, dip and decorate truffles
- the secret of chocolate beignets (hot fried dough filled with chocolate)
At the end of the 2 ½ hour class, each student goes home with a 1 lb. box of assorted candies they’ve made themselves.
Cost: Chocolate classes are usually $150 per person but from now until the end of March, Ms. Napoli is offering a $50.00 discount, bringing the cost of this unique weekend activity to only $100.
Class registration is available by emailing: chocoleechocolates@gmail.com
5) Owners Filipo and Phil Frattaroli, Guest Chef Antonella Santacroce, and the rest of the Lucia Ristorante team invite guest to join them for a special, prix fixe “From Abruzzo with Love” dinner, on Monday, February 6, from 6pm-9pm, to benefit the Central Italy Earthquake Relief Fund. To better accomodate a larger number of guests, this dinner will be held at Filippo Ristorante.
The North End's Lucia Ristorante will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and to kick off the festivities, it will host this prix fixe dinner with special guest chef Antonella Santacroce. Hailing from Sulmona, Italy in the Abruzzo region, Chef Santacroce will delight guests with a multi-course menu showcasing Abruzzese cuisine. The seated dinner will include menu items such as: polenta Ovidiana with sausage; buccatini all’ Amatriciana with Pecorino cheese and guanciale; and porchetta. Lucia’s house red and white wines will be served alongside the meal.
Tickets cost $100, not including tax and gratuity, and can be purchased by calling (617) 742-4142.
6) The Beehive, located in Boston’s South End, will indulge lovers with “Spread The Love”- a 10 day-long celebration featuring Valentine’s Day inspired dishes from Executive Chef Gregory Torrech, drink specials, and live jazz and soul performances.
On Tuesday, February 14, guests can enjoy a special prix fixe dinner menu for just $69 per person, but why limit the love to one day? Guests can enjoy the luxe Valentine’s Day menu as a la carte specials that will be served in addition to the regular menu on Friday, February 10 through Sunday, February 19. The Beehive will also be serving a lover’s weekend brunch on Saturday, February 11 and 18 and Sunday February 12 and 19 from 10AM-3PM.
All week long guests can get in the mood with romantic live music and one of The Beehive’s Valentine’s Day drink specials. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate The Beehive’s extensive wine list featuring exceptional sparkling and reserve wines.
Reservations are highly recommended by calling 617-423-0069
7) On Thursday, February 9, at 6pm, Davio's Lynnfield will host a culinary wine tour of Merriam Vineyards in Sonoma County. Taste along with winemaker Peter Merriam, from one the most respected vineyards in the country. Designed for oenophiles of all levels, the four-course dinner with wine pairings will feature regionally inspired foods prepared by Executive Chef Danny Levesque .
WINE DINNER MENU
Benvenuto
Mini Kobe Beef Meatballs
Warm Brie, Figs, Crostini
Tuna Tartare, Sesame, Cucumber
Philly Cheese Steak Spring Rolls®, Spicy Ketchup, Spicy Mayo
2014 Davio’s Reserve Chardonnay
2013 Davio’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Antipasto
Chilled Oysters, Shrimp, Lobster, Mussels, Cocktail Sauce, Mustard Sauce
2015 Merriam Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc
Farinaceo
Duck Confit Ravioli, Cipollini, Bacon, Pink Peppercorns
2011 Merriam Vineyards, Cabernet Franc
Piatto Del Giorno
Slow Roasted Brandt Beef Ribeye, Skillet Potatoes, Baby Carrots, Cabernet Au Jus
2007 Merriam Vineyards, Miktos, Cabernet Sauvignon
Dolce
Seven Layer Lemon Cake, Fresh Berries, Raspberry Coulis
2013 Merriam Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc
COST: $95 per person (excluding tax and gratuity).
Tickets are required. Please visit http://davios.com/lynnfield/events/merriam-wine-dinner-0 or call 781-944-4810
8) On Thursday, February 9, at 6:30pm, Legal Sea Foods in Park Square will host a wine dinner with selections from Tulip Winery. Established in 2003 by the Itzhaki family, Tulip is the largest boutique winery in Israel that produces approximately 220,000 bottles annually. The Winery, which integrates the production of quality wines with social responsibility, is located on a mountainside in Kfar Tikva (Village of Hope), a small pastoral settlement whose population consists of people with special needs. The Winery aspires to enable members of the community to develop and realize their potential. The noteworthy fusion of the community’s vision and the Itzhaki's desire to produce wine gave rise to an exciting model of a wine industry that employs the community members and offers them a business platform to integrate into the workforce just like in mainstream society.
I have tasted several of the wines from the Tulip Winery and were impressed with their quality. In addition, Tulip has a great story and is very socially responsible. This should be a delicious and informative dinner.
Legal Sea Foods will team up with winemaker, David Bar-Ilan, to host a four-plus-course dinner featuring signature cuisine paired with his selections from the Tulip Winery vine. The menu will be presented as follows:
HORS D’OEUVRES
Bluefish Pâté, Grilled Toast Points
Grey Sole Tiradito, Yuzu & Aji Sea Salt
Smoked Salmon*, Brioche, Caper Relish
Tulip Winery “White Tulip,” Galilee, 2014
FIRST COURSE
Cedar Plank Haddock (cilantro rice, salsa Veracruzana)
Tulip Winery “Tulip Espero,” Galilee, 2013
SECOND COURSE
Blackened Faroe Island Salmon (spaghetti squash caponata)
Tulip Winery Syrah “Reserve,” Galilee, 2013
MAIN COURSE
Grilled Spiced Beef Tenderloin (wild rice, tomato romesco)
Tulip Winery Cabernet Sauvignon “Reserve,” Galilee, 2013
DESSERT
Poached Red Pear & Brillat-Savarin Cheese (honeyed walnuts, lemon zest, cinnamon)
Tulip Winery “White Franc,” Judean Hills, 2014
COST: $85 per person (excludes tax & gratuity)
Reservation required by calling 617-530-9397
9) Chef/Owner Michael Schlow, Chef de Cuisine Brendan Pelley, and the Doretta Taverna team invite guests to join them to experience for exciting events and menu changes taking place at Doretta under the leadership of Doretta’s newly appointed Chef de Cuisine Brendan Pelley. Starting the year off on a delicious note, 2017’s must notable happenings include:
Dollar Oyster Opa Hours:
Happy hour has taken on a whole new meaning at Doretta’s “Opa Hour!” Monday through Friday, from 4 to 6 p.m. and from 9 to close, Doretta is offering $1 oysters at the bar. The oyster offerings will include a variety of three, different oysters that will rotate daily. Past featured oysters have included Hama Hamas, Aunt Dotty’s, Moonshoal’s, Chatham’s, Pemaquid’s, Howland’s Landing, Crowes Pasture, and Johns River.
Date Night Prix Fixe:
Join Doretta every Sunday through Tuesday night for its new Date Night Menu! For just $50 for two people, guests can enjoy a feast of spreads, choice of several mezze plates, and a Greek dessert platter to end the evening. A special wine list will also be available exclusively just for date night.
Winter Cocktails:
Doretta has just rolled out its new, winter cocktail list featuring libations such as Adriatico with ouzo, lavender, and cassis, as well as a Greek spin on the classic hot toddy made with brandy, lemon, Tentura, and honey. Whimsical, creative cocktails with name like Grey Eyes, Socratic Method, and Achilles’ Heel will have guests savoring every last drop.
Lunch on the Fly:
Need to get back to the office in time for that 1 o’clock meeting? Doretta has got you covered! For just $25 guests can enjoy Doretta’s infamous village salad, choose from one of Doretta’s three open-faced pitas (lamb, chicken souvlaki and falafel) and a beverage (Have you ever had a Greek Frappe before?) with speedy, expedited service. Doretta serves lunch Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m
Local Sourcing:
Chef Brendan Pelley has established and nurtured his relationships with several foragers and mushroom growers, as well as herbs from his friends at Eva’s Garden to ensure Doretta’s food is only source from the very best purveyors. Among others. Doretta continues to work closely with oyster farmer Jeremey Scheffer from Spearpoint Oysters out of Martha’s Vineyard and Sky 8 Shrimp Farm.
Chef’s Table:
Doretta’s unique Chef's Table is the heart and soul of the restaurant’s bustling kitchen. Situated right in the kitchen on the lower floor, the long wooden farm table can accommodate up to 12 guests for a completely private dining experience. Doretta’s chefs will interact with guests to create a special menu while the party’s dedicated server will curate optional wine pairings. The Chef's Table is the perfect place for a whimsical Greek feast!
New Dishes:
Doretta is excited to have recently unveiled a variety of creative new dishes to the menu! Favorites include Saganaki “Fondue” with Kefalograviera, pickled cranberries, Szechuan peppercorn, and metaxa; Housemade “Hilopites” Pasta with stewed rabbit, cinnamon, chili, and kefalotiri; Vegetable Crudité with pistachio skordalia; and Ouzo-Cured Arctic Char with pickled caper leaf, dill, and pepperoncini.
10) The Light Foundation is “moving the chains” by raffling off a chance for two lucky fans and their guests to sit VIP style for the AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium on January 22.
Former New England Patriots Offensive Lineman and three-time Super Bowl Champion Matt Light is raffling off the second installment of the Playoff Series Raffle, with the “O-Line Edition” playoff package to support his longtime nonprofit, the Light Foundation. A portion of the proceeds will also go to the “Taste of the NFL,” to benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank.
Two winners will each bring a guest to sit in a luxury suite at Gillette Stadium for the Patriots vs. Steelers game on January 22nd, following a Dinner at Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse at Patriot Place, with Light and a few special guests – former O-linemen Joe Andruzzi, Russ Hochstein and Dan Koppen. Then they’ll head to the stadium where they will sit in the Energi suite to watch the Patriots take on the Steelers in the AFC Championship game. The prize package also comes with an overnight at the Courtyard Marriott in nearby Norwood, a stipend (up to $200 for each group) for transportation to and from the game and a couple of signed helmets from your special O-line dinner guests, and current Patriots players.
Raffle tickets are $1 each at www.playoffraffle.org. Raffle proceeds will benefit the Light Foundation, to assist at-risk kids from all over the country in staying on track and becoming leaders in their own communities.
The O-Line Edition Raffle Package includes:
· (2) tickets to the Energi suite for the January 22nd Patriots vs. Steelers AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium to watch the game with Matt Light
· Hotel accommodations for (2) at The Courtyard Marriott in nearby Norwood, for night of Saturday, January 22nd
· Pre-game dinner at Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse at Patriot Place with Matt Light, Joe ANdruzzi, Russ Hochstein and Dan Koppen on January 22nd
· Travel stipend for transportation from hotel to Patriot Place and back before and after game
*2 packages are available – 2 winners will be drawn when the raffle closes*
WHERE: Raffle tickets are $1 each available at: www.playoffraffle.org
WHEN: Raffle Entry Deadline: Friday, January 20, at 2:00p.m. EST (Winners are picked soon after the deadline)
**********************************************************
1) Bistro Duet is now open and offers guests a modern French dining experience in one of Arlington's most iconic buildings--the former Arlington Five Cent Savings Bank. Bistro Duet reunites InterContinental Hotel, Boston alumnae Cyrille Couet and Wayne Duprey.
"Bistro Duet will celebrate the uniqueness of the iconic bank space while offering contemporary French food and drink in an casually elegant neighborhood environment," says Co-Owner and General Manager Wayne Duprey.
Executive Chef and Co-Owner Cyrille Couet is from Frances's Loire Valley, where he began cooking in his uncle’s restaurant at the age of thirteen. Chef Couet's international career has taken him across Europe, the West Indies and the United States. Chef Cyrille was the inaugural chef of Miel Brasserie at the InterContinental, Boston where he worked alongside with Bistro Duet co-owner Wayne Duprey. Chef Couet, most recently, was the executive chef at the Questrom School of Business at Boston University.
A native of Dracut, Massachusetts, Bistro Duet co-owner Wayne Duprey will act as general manager. Wayne has managed restaurant and bar operations in the U.S., Europe and Asia. Most recently, he was the assistant director of food and beverage at the Four Seasons Resort, Hualalai in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Previously, he was Director of Bars at the InterContinental, Boston.
Bistro Duet is a 110-seat restaurant with private dining options. Adjacent to the dining room, the Bistro Duet bar will feature hard-to-find French herbal liqueurs and a selection of locally distilled spirits and regional craft beers. Beverage Operations will be supervised by Wember Castillo, most recently from Oak Long Bar + Kitchen and also formerly of Rumba at the InterContinental, Boston.
Messieurs Couet and Duprey have assembled a menu designed to appeal to all palates and pocketbooks. Whether you want to dine casually in the bar lounge side of the restaurant or with more formality in the gorgeous dining room, Bistro Duet will serve you the finest modern French cuisine, seasonally and regionally sourced.
2) On Wednesday, January 25, from 6:30pm-9pm, Civic Kitchen & Drink is hosting its first annual Robert Burns Scotch Dinner to pay tribute to one of Scotland's finest on his birthday, Robert Burns! Widely known as the national poet laureate of Scotland, Burns dinners are held on this day all around the world with whisky, poetry, haggis...and kilts.
Civic Kitchen & Drink just opened in 2016. Chef Rick Araujo and GM/Beverage Director Sarah Lee create memorable food and beverage pairings that are worth the drive. This dinner may be the most memorable yet as they celebrate their love for Robert Burns & Scotch.
“We are excited to put our own spin on traditional Scottish foods, because, well, haggis!!” shares Araujo. The team at Civic Kitchen & Drink is working closely with Special Guest and Whiskey Expert Charles Tower, of Lost Distilleries and Julio's Liquors. The dinner will feature classic and New World scotches paired with dishes created by Araujo and his team.
“We are excited to host this amazing tradition and we anticipate a sold-out night” says Lee. “What more could you want? A night of Scotch, Poetry, Amazing Food, and yes, I’ve heard there may be kilts!”
Cost: $69 per person
For Reservations, please call 508-329-5142
3) Posto will be celebrating this Valentine’s Day with a prix fixe, three-course menu for $50 per person. In addition to the prix fixe menu, guests may also choose to order from a selection of favorite items from Posto’s regular menu.
The prix fixe menu will include:
Primi Piatti
--Cotuit Oysters with preserved kumquat, arbol chilies, and thyme
--Lobster Bisque with sweet potato, crème fraiche, and chives
--Black Truffle Mac ‘n Cheese with gruyere fondutta, elbow macaroni, and parmesan bread crumbs
Secondi Piatti
--Duck Tortellini with braised duck leg, goat cheese, cherries, and thyme
--Fig Risotto with thyme, black mission figs, and parmesan
--Cauciucco with saffron, clams, mussels, shrimp, cod, and monkfish
Dolci
--L’ Opera Cake: almond sponge cake with amaretto cream and chocolate ganache
--Vanilla Panna Cotta with fresh berries and blood orange sciroppo
For Reservations, please call 617-625-0600
4) Alas, Chocolee Chocolates shuttered its acclaimed retail shop on Dartmouth Street in 2014, but chocolatier Lee Napoli -- whose expertise in all things sweet is legendary in this city -- continues her legacy by sharing her chocolate-making knowledge in a spacious South End classroom on Saturday afternoons at 2:00 p.m.
Classes size is limited, and instruction includes:
- tempering high quality chocolate
- making toasted chocolate almond bark
- mixing the perfect ganache
- learning to scoop, roll, dip and decorate truffles
- the secret of chocolate beignets (hot fried dough filled with chocolate)
At the end of the 2 ½ hour class, each student goes home with a 1 lb. box of assorted candies they’ve made themselves.
Cost: Chocolate classes are usually $150 per person but from now until the end of March, Ms. Napoli is offering a $50.00 discount, bringing the cost of this unique weekend activity to only $100.
5) Owners Filipo and Phil Frattaroli, Guest Chef Antonella Santacroce, and the rest of the Lucia Ristorante team invite guest to join them for a special, prix fixe “From Abruzzo with Love” dinner, on Monday, February 6, from 6pm-9pm, to benefit the Central Italy Earthquake Relief Fund. To better accomodate a larger number of guests, this dinner will be held at Filippo Ristorante.
The North End's Lucia Ristorante will be celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and to kick off the festivities, it will host this prix fixe dinner with special guest chef Antonella Santacroce. Hailing from Sulmona, Italy in the Abruzzo region, Chef Santacroce will delight guests with a multi-course menu showcasing Abruzzese cuisine. The seated dinner will include menu items such as: polenta Ovidiana with sausage; buccatini all’ Amatriciana with Pecorino cheese and guanciale; and porchetta. Lucia’s house red and white wines will be served alongside the meal.
Tickets cost $100, not including tax and gratuity, and can be purchased by calling (617) 742-4142.
6) The Beehive, located in Boston’s South End, will indulge lovers with “Spread The Love”- a 10 day-long celebration featuring Valentine’s Day inspired dishes from Executive Chef Gregory Torrech, drink specials, and live jazz and soul performances.
On Tuesday, February 14, guests can enjoy a special prix fixe dinner menu for just $69 per person, but why limit the love to one day? Guests can enjoy the luxe Valentine’s Day menu as a la carte specials that will be served in addition to the regular menu on Friday, February 10 through Sunday, February 19. The Beehive will also be serving a lover’s weekend brunch on Saturday, February 11 and 18 and Sunday February 12 and 19 from 10AM-3PM.
All week long guests can get in the mood with romantic live music and one of The Beehive’s Valentine’s Day drink specials. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate The Beehive’s extensive wine list featuring exceptional sparkling and reserve wines.
Reservations are highly recommended by calling 617-423-0069
7) On Thursday, February 9, at 6pm, Davio's Lynnfield will host a culinary wine tour of Merriam Vineyards in Sonoma County. Taste along with winemaker Peter Merriam, from one the most respected vineyards in the country. Designed for oenophiles of all levels, the four-course dinner with wine pairings will feature regionally inspired foods prepared by Executive Chef Danny Levesque .
WINE DINNER MENU
Benvenuto
Mini Kobe Beef Meatballs
Warm Brie, Figs, Crostini
Tuna Tartare, Sesame, Cucumber
Philly Cheese Steak Spring Rolls®, Spicy Ketchup, Spicy Mayo
2014 Davio’s Reserve Chardonnay
2013 Davio’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Antipasto
Chilled Oysters, Shrimp, Lobster, Mussels, Cocktail Sauce, Mustard Sauce
2015 Merriam Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc
Farinaceo
Duck Confit Ravioli, Cipollini, Bacon, Pink Peppercorns
2011 Merriam Vineyards, Cabernet Franc
Piatto Del Giorno
Slow Roasted Brandt Beef Ribeye, Skillet Potatoes, Baby Carrots, Cabernet Au Jus
2007 Merriam Vineyards, Miktos, Cabernet Sauvignon
Dolce
Seven Layer Lemon Cake, Fresh Berries, Raspberry Coulis
2013 Merriam Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc
COST: $95 per person (excluding tax and gratuity).
Tickets are required. Please visit http://davios.com/lynnfield/events/merriam-wine-dinner-0 or call 781-944-4810
8) On Thursday, February 9, at 6:30pm, Legal Sea Foods in Park Square will host a wine dinner with selections from Tulip Winery. Established in 2003 by the Itzhaki family, Tulip is the largest boutique winery in Israel that produces approximately 220,000 bottles annually. The Winery, which integrates the production of quality wines with social responsibility, is located on a mountainside in Kfar Tikva (Village of Hope), a small pastoral settlement whose population consists of people with special needs. The Winery aspires to enable members of the community to develop and realize their potential. The noteworthy fusion of the community’s vision and the Itzhaki's desire to produce wine gave rise to an exciting model of a wine industry that employs the community members and offers them a business platform to integrate into the workforce just like in mainstream society.
I have tasted several of the wines from the Tulip Winery and were impressed with their quality. In addition, Tulip has a great story and is very socially responsible. This should be a delicious and informative dinner.
Legal Sea Foods will team up with winemaker, David Bar-Ilan, to host a four-plus-course dinner featuring signature cuisine paired with his selections from the Tulip Winery vine. The menu will be presented as follows:
HORS D’OEUVRES
Bluefish Pâté, Grilled Toast Points
Grey Sole Tiradito, Yuzu & Aji Sea Salt
Smoked Salmon*, Brioche, Caper Relish
Tulip Winery “White Tulip,” Galilee, 2014
FIRST COURSE
Cedar Plank Haddock (cilantro rice, salsa Veracruzana)
Tulip Winery “Tulip Espero,” Galilee, 2013
SECOND COURSE
Blackened Faroe Island Salmon (spaghetti squash caponata)
Tulip Winery Syrah “Reserve,” Galilee, 2013
MAIN COURSE
Grilled Spiced Beef Tenderloin (wild rice, tomato romesco)
Tulip Winery Cabernet Sauvignon “Reserve,” Galilee, 2013
DESSERT
Poached Red Pear & Brillat-Savarin Cheese (honeyed walnuts, lemon zest, cinnamon)
Tulip Winery “White Franc,” Judean Hills, 2014
COST: $85 per person (excludes tax & gratuity)
Reservation required by calling 617-530-9397
9) Chef/Owner Michael Schlow, Chef de Cuisine Brendan Pelley, and the Doretta Taverna team invite guests to join them to experience for exciting events and menu changes taking place at Doretta under the leadership of Doretta’s newly appointed Chef de Cuisine Brendan Pelley. Starting the year off on a delicious note, 2017’s must notable happenings include:
Dollar Oyster Opa Hours:
Happy hour has taken on a whole new meaning at Doretta’s “Opa Hour!” Monday through Friday, from 4 to 6 p.m. and from 9 to close, Doretta is offering $1 oysters at the bar. The oyster offerings will include a variety of three, different oysters that will rotate daily. Past featured oysters have included Hama Hamas, Aunt Dotty’s, Moonshoal’s, Chatham’s, Pemaquid’s, Howland’s Landing, Crowes Pasture, and Johns River.
Date Night Prix Fixe:
Join Doretta every Sunday through Tuesday night for its new Date Night Menu! For just $50 for two people, guests can enjoy a feast of spreads, choice of several mezze plates, and a Greek dessert platter to end the evening. A special wine list will also be available exclusively just for date night.
Winter Cocktails:
Doretta has just rolled out its new, winter cocktail list featuring libations such as Adriatico with ouzo, lavender, and cassis, as well as a Greek spin on the classic hot toddy made with brandy, lemon, Tentura, and honey. Whimsical, creative cocktails with name like Grey Eyes, Socratic Method, and Achilles’ Heel will have guests savoring every last drop.
Lunch on the Fly:
Need to get back to the office in time for that 1 o’clock meeting? Doretta has got you covered! For just $25 guests can enjoy Doretta’s infamous village salad, choose from one of Doretta’s three open-faced pitas (lamb, chicken souvlaki and falafel) and a beverage (Have you ever had a Greek Frappe before?) with speedy, expedited service. Doretta serves lunch Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m
Local Sourcing:
Chef Brendan Pelley has established and nurtured his relationships with several foragers and mushroom growers, as well as herbs from his friends at Eva’s Garden to ensure Doretta’s food is only source from the very best purveyors. Among others. Doretta continues to work closely with oyster farmer Jeremey Scheffer from Spearpoint Oysters out of Martha’s Vineyard and Sky 8 Shrimp Farm.
Chef’s Table:
Doretta’s unique Chef's Table is the heart and soul of the restaurant’s bustling kitchen. Situated right in the kitchen on the lower floor, the long wooden farm table can accommodate up to 12 guests for a completely private dining experience. Doretta’s chefs will interact with guests to create a special menu while the party’s dedicated server will curate optional wine pairings. The Chef's Table is the perfect place for a whimsical Greek feast!
New Dishes:
Doretta is excited to have recently unveiled a variety of creative new dishes to the menu! Favorites include Saganaki “Fondue” with Kefalograviera, pickled cranberries, Szechuan peppercorn, and metaxa; Housemade “Hilopites” Pasta with stewed rabbit, cinnamon, chili, and kefalotiri; Vegetable Crudité with pistachio skordalia; and Ouzo-Cured Arctic Char with pickled caper leaf, dill, and pepperoncini.
10) The Light Foundation is “moving the chains” by raffling off a chance for two lucky fans and their guests to sit VIP style for the AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium on January 22.
Former New England Patriots Offensive Lineman and three-time Super Bowl Champion Matt Light is raffling off the second installment of the Playoff Series Raffle, with the “O-Line Edition” playoff package to support his longtime nonprofit, the Light Foundation. A portion of the proceeds will also go to the “Taste of the NFL,” to benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank.
Two winners will each bring a guest to sit in a luxury suite at Gillette Stadium for the Patriots vs. Steelers game on January 22nd, following a Dinner at Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse at Patriot Place, with Light and a few special guests – former O-linemen Joe Andruzzi, Russ Hochstein and Dan Koppen. Then they’ll head to the stadium where they will sit in the Energi suite to watch the Patriots take on the Steelers in the AFC Championship game. The prize package also comes with an overnight at the Courtyard Marriott in nearby Norwood, a stipend (up to $200 for each group) for transportation to and from the game and a couple of signed helmets from your special O-line dinner guests, and current Patriots players.
Raffle tickets are $1 each at www.playoffraffle.org. Raffle proceeds will benefit the Light Foundation, to assist at-risk kids from all over the country in staying on track and becoming leaders in their own communities.
The O-Line Edition Raffle Package includes:
· (2) tickets to the Energi suite for the January 22nd Patriots vs. Steelers AFC Championship game at Gillette Stadium to watch the game with Matt Light
· Hotel accommodations for (2) at The Courtyard Marriott in nearby Norwood, for night of Saturday, January 22nd
· Pre-game dinner at Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse at Patriot Place with Matt Light, Joe ANdruzzi, Russ Hochstein and Dan Koppen on January 22nd
· Travel stipend for transportation from hotel to Patriot Place and back before and after game
*2 packages are available – 2 winners will be drawn when the raffle closes*
WHERE: Raffle tickets are $1 each available at: www.playoffraffle.org
WHEN: Raffle Entry Deadline: Friday, January 20, at 2:00p.m. EST (Winners are picked soon after the deadline)
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Thursday Sips & Nibbles
I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food & drink events.
**********************************************************
1) Chef/owner Deborah Hanson of Taberna de Haro states: "How to sum up the complexities of biodynamic wines? Where mastery meets mysticism, is my simple explanation. Based on Rudolf Steiner's philosophy of holistic farming, biodynamic viticulture seeks to nurture the vineyard to a state of complete health and vigor so that the grapes she produces are impeccable, and naturally so. The wine made from these grapes has unique texture, vivacity, and charm, not to mention complexity and staying power. The winemakers committed to this philosophy are deep souls with a profound connection to their vineyards. The more of them I meet, and the more I taste their wines, and the more I think about the state of agriculture today, the more drawn I am to this holistic theory, that so deliciously expresses itself in my glass. I'm intrigued and I'd love to share it with you."
To share her thoughts, Deborah is hosting a wine event, Where Mastery Meets Mysticism: A Tasting of Biodynamic Spanish Wines on Wednesday, February 10, from 7pm-8pm.
Five wines will be paired with five courses of tapas., including:
Les Argiles Blanc 2014
Salt-cod & fennel eggs
Orto Blanc 2011
Fideuá of sepia & romescu
Pedra Roja 2013
Roasted eggplant gratiné
Finca L'Argata 2012
Pork loin in samfaína
Mibal 2013
Piquillo peppers stuffed with braised lamb
Cost: $75 per person (plus tax and gratuity)
Reservation and pre-payment required so please call 617-277-8272 in the evenings. This event will be limited to 10 participants.
2) South Street Diner is hosting an all-day Mardi Gras celebration in honor of Fat Tuesday – the last day of the Carnival season. Owner Sol Sidell is recreating that Bourbon Street feel right inside the walls of South Street Diner on Tuesday, February 9, from 11am to 11pm.
Stop in and enjoy an all-you-can-eat jambalaya feast for $6 and enjoy a full New Orleans style Mardi Gras menu including beignets, crawfish, shrimp po’boys, king cake, alligator sausage and “Lucky Dogs.” The staff will be fully decked out in Mardi Gras garb with beads to hand out to customers as well and traditional New Orleans Zydeco music will be blasting from the jukebox throughout the entire day.
For more information, please visit www.southstreetdiner.com or call 617-350-0028.
3) Pastoral Chef/Owner Todd Winer, co-owner George Lewis, and the rest of the Pastoral Artisan Pizza Kitchen and Bar team invite guests to spend their Valentine’s Day weekend at the Fort Point eatery. This Valentine’s Day weekend, Pastoral Artisan Pizza Kitchen and Bar will be hosting weekend-long events in the name of love (and good food).
Friday, February 12th:
For dinner on February 12th from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Pastoral will be offering guests prosecco paired with local wood and salt-roasted oysters for two for $40.
Saturday, February 13th:
For dinner on February 12th from 5 pm. to 10 p.m., Pastoral will be offering guests discounted Italian wine and prosecco deals, specially added menu items, and house-made, hand-crafted chocolates for the table.
Sunday, February 14th:
Opening its doors for extended hours on February 14th, Pastoral’s brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. will feature house-style jazz from DJ Chris Roxx and friends, music from DJ Sandy Poirer from Shag, a photo booth, specialty coffee drinks, craft cocktails, and small-plates brunch menu. For dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday night, Pastoral will be offering family-style dining specials to enjoy with not just one loved one, but all of your loved ones.
4) The Painted Burro team invites guests to a join them in celebrating love this upcoming Valentine’s Day weekend with menu specials or in celebrating singledom at their anti-Valentine’s “Let’s Give Them Something to Taco ‘Bout” karaoke night.
Valentine’s Day Weekend Menu Specials: Enjoy Valentine’s Day weekend while dining on brunch and dinner specials at the Painted Burro. In addition to their regularly available menus, The Painted Burro will also offer special menu items for brunch and dinner service on Saturday, February 13th and Sunday, February 14th.
Available for brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 13th and Sunday, February 14th, The Painted Burro will be offering Lobster Benedict with poached eggs, chipotle hollandaise, refried beans, and a griddled English muffin for $21.
Available for dinner from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, February 13th and Sunday, February 14th, The Painted Burro will be offering Cotuit Oysters with lime, shallots, pickled onions, and tequila mignonette for $12; Grilled New York Sirloin with chipotle-roasted potatoes, white asparagus, oyster mushrooms, red wine demi glaze, and tequila butter for $21; and a Mexican Banana Split for Two with coconut-avocado ice cream, chipotle-chocolate ice cream, dulce de leche ice cream, caramelized bananas, tequila-soaked cherries, and horchata whipped cream for $12.
“Let’s Give Them Something to Taco ‘Bout” Karaoke: Before the boxes of chocolates are eaten and sappy cards are exchanged, The Painted Burro will be hosting “Let’s Give Them Something to Taco ‘Bout” karaoke night for singles to have fun and poke fun at the red rose, teddy bear-filled holiday. On Tuesday, February 9, at 9 p.m., The Painted Burro invites guests to sing their (achy breaky) hearts out while enjoying specialty “cupid is stupid” cocktails, dressing up with anti-Valentine’s Day photo props, taking a swing at a “broken heart” piñata, and munching on funny conversation heart cookies.Performances to the likes of “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” and “All My Single Ladies” are encouraged while duets and love ballads are not allowed!
For reservations, please contact (617) 776-0005
5) This Valentine’s weekend, Brian Poe is bringing “The Love Game” to the Tip Tap Room in Beacon Hill. For three nights, from February 12-14, Chef Poe will serve up a wild game-laced menu that features a series of bold, flavorful dishes designed to tame one’s animalistic desires.
“The Love Game” menu is available as a five-course prix fixe and each course also is available at a la carte pricing:
Elk Carpaccio (green peppercorn studded tenderloin, deviled egg puree, garlic toast points, flash fried capers, lemon oil)
Miso Soup (charcoal roasted pheasant, pineapple sake salsa, lemongrass coconut foam)
Duck Confit Salad (yellow rocket, rosemary chimichurri vinaigrette, goat cheese, caramelized onion chips, Beacon Hill bacon)
Venison (Denver leg, truffle celery root puree, purple carrots, maitake mushroom demi)
Chocolate Mousse (salted caramel ice cream, crisp cocoa tuile, candied hazelnuts)
COST: Five-course prix fixe: $75 per person (items also are available at a la carte pricing)
For reservations, please call: (857) 350-3344.
6) It’s Mardi Gras in New England which generally means restaurants will be adding the word “Creole” and “Cajun” in front of dishes on menus everywhere. But, how true is this to authentic Mardi Gras fare? Chef Paul Turano, chef/owner of Tryst restaurant, in Arlington, has taken it upon himself to bring authenticity to his special Mardi Gras dinner being held on Tuesday, February 9, from 5pm-10pm.
Served in addition to Tryst’s regular menu, Mardi Gras diners can look forward to experiencing an à la carte special menu featuring Shrimp & Grits with Cajun butter ($12), Crispy Cod with kohlrabi pickled slaw, andouille & red pea rice ($21) and Beignets with bourbon caramel and vanilla sugar ($7). That’s not all, guests will be able to enjoy authentic cocktails and Hurricanes galore.
Reservations are highly recommended. Please call 781-641-2227.
7) The Committee team and newly appointed Consulting Wine Director Lauren Friel have introduced a new line up of exotic Greek spirits to their beverage program. In addition to recently overhauling the wine program, Lauren Friel is introducing traditional Greek spirits of rakomelo, ouzo, tsipouro, mastiha and arak that are unusual to the American public. The Greek and Mediterranean spirits are served table side in shooter glasses, 300ml for 1-2 people or 500ml for 2-4 people. Servers present the spirits with rocks on the side allowing guests are invited to pour as little or as much as they would like.
Mastiha, a liqueur made from the resin of the mastiha tree and grown on the island of Chios, is centuries old and made by a technique that is passed down through generations. Tsipouro dates back to monk production in the 14th century, is made with grape pomace and is similar to a pisco, while rakomelo is a blend of the anise flavored spirit raki and honey.
The full menu includes the following:
Rakomelo (House-made with Tsikoudia, honey, clove, and cinnamon served warm)
300ml $26, 500ml $44
Ouzo
--Plomari Lesvos, Greece
Glass $8, 300ml $34, 500ml $58
--Barbayanni ‘Aphrodite’, Lesvos Greece
Glass $6, 300ml $26, 500ml $44
--Mytilini Lesvos, Greece
Glass $5, 300ml $22, 500ml $36
Local Spirits
--Idoniko Tsipouro, Drama
Glass $8, 300ml $34, 500ml $58
--Haraki Tsikoudia, Crete
Glass $6, 300ml $26, 500ml $44
--Homericon Mastiha, Chios
Glass $8, 300ml $34, 500ml $58
--El Massaya Arak, Lebanon
Glass $7, 300ml $30, 500ml $50
Pairing these spirits with various meze is a tradition that Greeks celebrate with admiration. Some of the new meze that were just added to the menu and pair well are the kounoupidi (whole roasted cauliflower, mostarda, kasseri), chestnut stifado (braised chestnuts and shallots, sweet potato), keftedakia makedonias (greek style meatballs, walnuts, tomato-prune salsa) and loukaniko (fennel sausage, braised leeks, florina pepper coulis, smoked manouri cheese).
In addition to launching the new spirit offerings, Friel has introduced a new list of exclusively Mediterranean wines at Committee as well as launched a new monthly wine dinner series highlighting different regions of the Mediterranean. Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant at 617-737-5051.
8) This Valentine’s Day weekend, love over brunch or romance under moonlight at The Elephant Walk in Boston’s South End neighborhood. Executive Chef Nadsa de Monteiro is bringing exotic flavors and standout features to her special Valentine’s Day menu which will be served in addition to the regular brunch and dinner menu.
On Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14, from 11:30am-4pm, guests are invited to brunch outside the box, with staple items that include Crêpe au Canard ($12), a French crepe filled with duck braised in soy tamarind juices, portobello mushroom, crème fraiche and scallion alongside dressed baby greens, and Oeufs Brouillés au Kapik Khing ($11), cage-free scrambled eggs, PT Farms pork belly slow-cooked with Khmer spices and cucumber pickles served with sage sautéed potatoes or mixed greens. As the sun sets , and dinner begins, travel abroad with features that include Côtelettes d’Agneau Grillées, Ravioles aux Champignons ($29) New Zealand double lamb chops grilled, wild mushroom ravioli in red wine-rosemary sauce and kale sautéed with garlic, or bring Cambodian flavor to the forefront with Saraman, ($26) beef short ribs slow cooked in a rich Khmer curry with cardamom seeds, cinnamon, star anise, lemongrass, coconut milk, tamarind and shrimp paste; served with turmeric coconut rice and pickled vegetables, both available gluten free.
Opt for the brunch Bloody’s, aimed to spice up the dullest of lovers with a mix of chilies, lime juice and tuk trey (a spicy Cambodian dipping sauce), blended with vodka and Elephant Walk’s very own unique Bloody Mary mix ($9), or choose from Elephant Walk’s carefully curated wine list to toast to the perfect evening.
For more information or to make a reservation please call (617) 247–1500.
9) Up for a good challenge, to devour a huge burger? Fuddruckers Reading is hosting a special event for Fat Tuesday, February 9, a 3-Pound Burger Challenge! Can you devour a 3-pound burger in one hour?
For $19.99 you get a 3-pound burger, 1-pound of Fudd fries and a bottomless Coca Cola beverage. Additional burger toppings, like cheese, are extra, but their condiments bar is still free (with stuff like pickles, peppers, tomatoes & more). If you can finish the 3-pound burger and fries in one hour, you will receive the following:
--2 free meals toward a future visit
--1 free t-shirt stating your victory
--Undeniable respect from friends, family and colleagues
The restaurant will be open on Tuesday, from 11am-9pm, and the challenge is available all day but there is a 24 hour notice required. Call to make a reservation, (781) 942-4891.
Which of my readers is up for the challenge?
**********************************************************
1) Chef/owner Deborah Hanson of Taberna de Haro states: "How to sum up the complexities of biodynamic wines? Where mastery meets mysticism, is my simple explanation. Based on Rudolf Steiner's philosophy of holistic farming, biodynamic viticulture seeks to nurture the vineyard to a state of complete health and vigor so that the grapes she produces are impeccable, and naturally so. The wine made from these grapes has unique texture, vivacity, and charm, not to mention complexity and staying power. The winemakers committed to this philosophy are deep souls with a profound connection to their vineyards. The more of them I meet, and the more I taste their wines, and the more I think about the state of agriculture today, the more drawn I am to this holistic theory, that so deliciously expresses itself in my glass. I'm intrigued and I'd love to share it with you."
To share her thoughts, Deborah is hosting a wine event, Where Mastery Meets Mysticism: A Tasting of Biodynamic Spanish Wines on Wednesday, February 10, from 7pm-8pm.
Five wines will be paired with five courses of tapas., including:
Les Argiles Blanc 2014
Salt-cod & fennel eggs
Orto Blanc 2011
Fideuá of sepia & romescu
Pedra Roja 2013
Roasted eggplant gratiné
Finca L'Argata 2012
Pork loin in samfaína
Mibal 2013
Piquillo peppers stuffed with braised lamb
Cost: $75 per person (plus tax and gratuity)
Reservation and pre-payment required so please call 617-277-8272 in the evenings. This event will be limited to 10 participants.
2) South Street Diner is hosting an all-day Mardi Gras celebration in honor of Fat Tuesday – the last day of the Carnival season. Owner Sol Sidell is recreating that Bourbon Street feel right inside the walls of South Street Diner on Tuesday, February 9, from 11am to 11pm.
Stop in and enjoy an all-you-can-eat jambalaya feast for $6 and enjoy a full New Orleans style Mardi Gras menu including beignets, crawfish, shrimp po’boys, king cake, alligator sausage and “Lucky Dogs.” The staff will be fully decked out in Mardi Gras garb with beads to hand out to customers as well and traditional New Orleans Zydeco music will be blasting from the jukebox throughout the entire day.
For more information, please visit www.southstreetdiner.com or call 617-350-0028.
3) Pastoral Chef/Owner Todd Winer, co-owner George Lewis, and the rest of the Pastoral Artisan Pizza Kitchen and Bar team invite guests to spend their Valentine’s Day weekend at the Fort Point eatery. This Valentine’s Day weekend, Pastoral Artisan Pizza Kitchen and Bar will be hosting weekend-long events in the name of love (and good food).
Friday, February 12th:
For dinner on February 12th from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Pastoral will be offering guests prosecco paired with local wood and salt-roasted oysters for two for $40.
Saturday, February 13th:
For dinner on February 12th from 5 pm. to 10 p.m., Pastoral will be offering guests discounted Italian wine and prosecco deals, specially added menu items, and house-made, hand-crafted chocolates for the table.
Sunday, February 14th:
Opening its doors for extended hours on February 14th, Pastoral’s brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. will feature house-style jazz from DJ Chris Roxx and friends, music from DJ Sandy Poirer from Shag, a photo booth, specialty coffee drinks, craft cocktails, and small-plates brunch menu. For dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday night, Pastoral will be offering family-style dining specials to enjoy with not just one loved one, but all of your loved ones.
4) The Painted Burro team invites guests to a join them in celebrating love this upcoming Valentine’s Day weekend with menu specials or in celebrating singledom at their anti-Valentine’s “Let’s Give Them Something to Taco ‘Bout” karaoke night.
Valentine’s Day Weekend Menu Specials: Enjoy Valentine’s Day weekend while dining on brunch and dinner specials at the Painted Burro. In addition to their regularly available menus, The Painted Burro will also offer special menu items for brunch and dinner service on Saturday, February 13th and Sunday, February 14th.
Available for brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 13th and Sunday, February 14th, The Painted Burro will be offering Lobster Benedict with poached eggs, chipotle hollandaise, refried beans, and a griddled English muffin for $21.
Available for dinner from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, February 13th and Sunday, February 14th, The Painted Burro will be offering Cotuit Oysters with lime, shallots, pickled onions, and tequila mignonette for $12; Grilled New York Sirloin with chipotle-roasted potatoes, white asparagus, oyster mushrooms, red wine demi glaze, and tequila butter for $21; and a Mexican Banana Split for Two with coconut-avocado ice cream, chipotle-chocolate ice cream, dulce de leche ice cream, caramelized bananas, tequila-soaked cherries, and horchata whipped cream for $12.
“Let’s Give Them Something to Taco ‘Bout” Karaoke: Before the boxes of chocolates are eaten and sappy cards are exchanged, The Painted Burro will be hosting “Let’s Give Them Something to Taco ‘Bout” karaoke night for singles to have fun and poke fun at the red rose, teddy bear-filled holiday. On Tuesday, February 9, at 9 p.m., The Painted Burro invites guests to sing their (achy breaky) hearts out while enjoying specialty “cupid is stupid” cocktails, dressing up with anti-Valentine’s Day photo props, taking a swing at a “broken heart” piñata, and munching on funny conversation heart cookies.Performances to the likes of “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” and “All My Single Ladies” are encouraged while duets and love ballads are not allowed!
For reservations, please contact (617) 776-0005
5) This Valentine’s weekend, Brian Poe is bringing “The Love Game” to the Tip Tap Room in Beacon Hill. For three nights, from February 12-14, Chef Poe will serve up a wild game-laced menu that features a series of bold, flavorful dishes designed to tame one’s animalistic desires.
“The Love Game” menu is available as a five-course prix fixe and each course also is available at a la carte pricing:
Elk Carpaccio (green peppercorn studded tenderloin, deviled egg puree, garlic toast points, flash fried capers, lemon oil)
Miso Soup (charcoal roasted pheasant, pineapple sake salsa, lemongrass coconut foam)
Duck Confit Salad (yellow rocket, rosemary chimichurri vinaigrette, goat cheese, caramelized onion chips, Beacon Hill bacon)
Venison (Denver leg, truffle celery root puree, purple carrots, maitake mushroom demi)
Chocolate Mousse (salted caramel ice cream, crisp cocoa tuile, candied hazelnuts)
COST: Five-course prix fixe: $75 per person (items also are available at a la carte pricing)
For reservations, please call: (857) 350-3344.
6) It’s Mardi Gras in New England which generally means restaurants will be adding the word “Creole” and “Cajun” in front of dishes on menus everywhere. But, how true is this to authentic Mardi Gras fare? Chef Paul Turano, chef/owner of Tryst restaurant, in Arlington, has taken it upon himself to bring authenticity to his special Mardi Gras dinner being held on Tuesday, February 9, from 5pm-10pm.
Served in addition to Tryst’s regular menu, Mardi Gras diners can look forward to experiencing an à la carte special menu featuring Shrimp & Grits with Cajun butter ($12), Crispy Cod with kohlrabi pickled slaw, andouille & red pea rice ($21) and Beignets with bourbon caramel and vanilla sugar ($7). That’s not all, guests will be able to enjoy authentic cocktails and Hurricanes galore.
Reservations are highly recommended. Please call 781-641-2227.
7) The Committee team and newly appointed Consulting Wine Director Lauren Friel have introduced a new line up of exotic Greek spirits to their beverage program. In addition to recently overhauling the wine program, Lauren Friel is introducing traditional Greek spirits of rakomelo, ouzo, tsipouro, mastiha and arak that are unusual to the American public. The Greek and Mediterranean spirits are served table side in shooter glasses, 300ml for 1-2 people or 500ml for 2-4 people. Servers present the spirits with rocks on the side allowing guests are invited to pour as little or as much as they would like.
Mastiha, a liqueur made from the resin of the mastiha tree and grown on the island of Chios, is centuries old and made by a technique that is passed down through generations. Tsipouro dates back to monk production in the 14th century, is made with grape pomace and is similar to a pisco, while rakomelo is a blend of the anise flavored spirit raki and honey.
The full menu includes the following:
Rakomelo (House-made with Tsikoudia, honey, clove, and cinnamon served warm)
300ml $26, 500ml $44
Ouzo
--Plomari Lesvos, Greece
Glass $8, 300ml $34, 500ml $58
--Barbayanni ‘Aphrodite’, Lesvos Greece
Glass $6, 300ml $26, 500ml $44
--Mytilini Lesvos, Greece
Glass $5, 300ml $22, 500ml $36
Local Spirits
--Idoniko Tsipouro, Drama
Glass $8, 300ml $34, 500ml $58
--Haraki Tsikoudia, Crete
Glass $6, 300ml $26, 500ml $44
--Homericon Mastiha, Chios
Glass $8, 300ml $34, 500ml $58
--El Massaya Arak, Lebanon
Glass $7, 300ml $30, 500ml $50
Pairing these spirits with various meze is a tradition that Greeks celebrate with admiration. Some of the new meze that were just added to the menu and pair well are the kounoupidi (whole roasted cauliflower, mostarda, kasseri), chestnut stifado (braised chestnuts and shallots, sweet potato), keftedakia makedonias (greek style meatballs, walnuts, tomato-prune salsa) and loukaniko (fennel sausage, braised leeks, florina pepper coulis, smoked manouri cheese).
In addition to launching the new spirit offerings, Friel has introduced a new list of exclusively Mediterranean wines at Committee as well as launched a new monthly wine dinner series highlighting different regions of the Mediterranean. Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant at 617-737-5051.
8) This Valentine’s Day weekend, love over brunch or romance under moonlight at The Elephant Walk in Boston’s South End neighborhood. Executive Chef Nadsa de Monteiro is bringing exotic flavors and standout features to her special Valentine’s Day menu which will be served in addition to the regular brunch and dinner menu.
On Saturday, February 13 and Sunday, February 14, from 11:30am-4pm, guests are invited to brunch outside the box, with staple items that include Crêpe au Canard ($12), a French crepe filled with duck braised in soy tamarind juices, portobello mushroom, crème fraiche and scallion alongside dressed baby greens, and Oeufs Brouillés au Kapik Khing ($11), cage-free scrambled eggs, PT Farms pork belly slow-cooked with Khmer spices and cucumber pickles served with sage sautéed potatoes or mixed greens. As the sun sets , and dinner begins, travel abroad with features that include Côtelettes d’Agneau Grillées, Ravioles aux Champignons ($29) New Zealand double lamb chops grilled, wild mushroom ravioli in red wine-rosemary sauce and kale sautéed with garlic, or bring Cambodian flavor to the forefront with Saraman, ($26) beef short ribs slow cooked in a rich Khmer curry with cardamom seeds, cinnamon, star anise, lemongrass, coconut milk, tamarind and shrimp paste; served with turmeric coconut rice and pickled vegetables, both available gluten free.
Opt for the brunch Bloody’s, aimed to spice up the dullest of lovers with a mix of chilies, lime juice and tuk trey (a spicy Cambodian dipping sauce), blended with vodka and Elephant Walk’s very own unique Bloody Mary mix ($9), or choose from Elephant Walk’s carefully curated wine list to toast to the perfect evening.
For more information or to make a reservation please call (617) 247–1500.
9) Up for a good challenge, to devour a huge burger? Fuddruckers Reading is hosting a special event for Fat Tuesday, February 9, a 3-Pound Burger Challenge! Can you devour a 3-pound burger in one hour?
For $19.99 you get a 3-pound burger, 1-pound of Fudd fries and a bottomless Coca Cola beverage. Additional burger toppings, like cheese, are extra, but their condiments bar is still free (with stuff like pickles, peppers, tomatoes & more). If you can finish the 3-pound burger and fries in one hour, you will receive the following:
--2 free meals toward a future visit
--1 free t-shirt stating your victory
--Undeniable respect from friends, family and colleagues
The restaurant will be open on Tuesday, from 11am-9pm, and the challenge is available all day but there is a 24 hour notice required. Call to make a reservation, (781) 942-4891.
Which of my readers is up for the challenge?
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Thursday Sips & Nibbles
I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food & drink events.
**********************************************************
1) Connecticut pop-up venture, [oink], is taking over the kitchen at Ribelle in Brookline for three nights in late February. Titled the “CT Chef Takeover”, the collaboration dinners are meant to give the city of Boston a taste of what Connecticut chefs are up to. The dinners will be different menus each night and will be 5-7 course tastings ranging from $65-$85.
The chefs collaborating with [oink]‘s Craig Hutchinson and Alex Lishchynsky will be Matt Wick of River Tavern on February 23rd, James Wayman of Oyster Club on February 24th, and Tyler Anderson of Millwrights on February 25th.
Ribelle owner/chef Tim Maslow and [oink] co-chef Craig Hutchinson worked together while opening Ribelle in 2013. Hutchinson became the first Chef de Cuisine of Ribelle and the restaurant received the coveted “four stars” from the Boston Globe. Since then Maslow has gone on to win Food & Wine’s Best New Chef award. Maslow offered the restaurant to Hutchinson as he will be in Montreal at a food festival for those 3 nights.
Menu’s have yet to be written and tickets go on sale soon, however these dates and chefs have been finalized.
2) On Wednesday, February 10, Tony Maws will welcome Chef Deuki Hong and writer Matt Rodbard to The Kirkland Tap & Trotter for a one-night-only event celebrating the soju-slamming, pepper-pounding, kimchi-everything adventure that is Koreatown: A Cookbook (Clarkson Potter/Publishers; on sale February 16, 2016). For two years, co-authors Hong and Rodbard gathered recipes, stories, in-the-moment photos, and thoughtful interviews from Korean American neighborhoods all across the country to comprise their portrait of a culture in Koreatown. With a penchant for global comfort foods, killer wood grill to complement the flavors of Korean barbeque, and convivial atmosphere, Kirkland is the ideal place to kick-off the cookbook tour.
DINING OPTIONS:
--Option 1: Guests can book seats at one of Kirkland’s communal tables and enjoy a family-style dinner and discussion with Hong and Rodbard, as they dig into dishes such as marinated and grilled Korean-style Beef Short Ribs; and, Kimchi and Bacon Fried Rice with Gochujang Butter. The evening includes dinner, a complimentary welcome cocktail, and a signed copy of Koreatown for $48.00 (exclusive of tax and gratuity).
--Option 2: The Kimchi and Bacon Fried Rice will be on the menu at Kirkland for any/all to enjoy that night, in addition to the restaurant’s a la carte menu. The cookbook will also be available for purchase for $30.00.
TICKETS: Advanced online ticket purchase is required for dinner at the communal table: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/feast-to-celebrate-the-debut-of-koreatown-a-cookbook-tickets-20933491637.
Space is limited, and guests are encouraged to book ASAP.
Seatings at the communal table are 6:30pm and 8:30pm. The Kirkland bar and dining room opens for a la carte dinner service at 5:30pm.
3) I'm back with a couple more restaurants which will have snow emergency specials this winter. During declared snow emergencies in the city of Boston, Coda will be offering a grilled cheese and tomato soup special. Variations may include braised beef grilled cheese among other flavors. Also during declared snow emergencies in the city of Boston, Pastoral Artisan Pizza, Kitchen, and Bar will be offering its margherita pizza with a select beer, normally priced at $24, for $18 at its bar.
4) Beginning February 1, Tryst, located in Arlington, will launch its all new pop-up concept, “Covengno” every Sunday through Tuesday from 5pm-10pm. Convegno, translating roughly to mean “tryst” in Italian, is Chef Turano’s new Italian-inspired menu which will be offered in addition to the regular menu every Sunday through Tuesday. Guests can choose from three pasta dishes including: hand cut tagliatelle with shrimp, olio santo, garlic and lemon; stuffed pasta with Sunday gravy; Roman Style Gnocchi with roasted winter vegetables, toasted pine nuts & brown butter; and orecchiette with house made chicken sausage with rabe & chilis. Each dish is $18 and will be served with a house-made to go cannoli.
Every few months Chef/Owner Paul Turano plays around with his concept. From his popular AFC, “Arlington Fried Chicken” to T’s BBQ joint, T’s Clam Shack and most recently T’s Taco Bar, each concept represents a fun trend in dining that Chef Turano and his team want to experiment with.
“We like to take everyday items and play with them at the restaurant. Sometimes I think you need to pay homage to where a dish comes from, but sometimes you simply need to use the concept as a vehicle to push the concept further,” said Turano.
Convegno will launch February 1 and will be available through spring 2016 for both dine-in and take-out.
5) Osteria Nino will be opening its doors to welcome San Valentino at 3rd Ave in Burlington. Throughout Valentine’s Day weekend, this authentic Roman kitchen will be dishing out a collection of treasures from the local seas in addition to a decadent dessert.
To start, executive chef Walace Benica will serve Oysters & Shrimp with mignonette and cocktail sauce ($15). For the pasta course, there is Lobster Pappardelle with tomato and prosecco broth ($26) and the main course is a Prosciutto Wrapped Monkfish with beet risotto ($26). To end the romantic evening with something sweet, there is a Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake with chocolate covered strawberries ($10).
Osteria Nino’s all-Italian wine list has extensive sparkling options by the glass and bottle, including prosceccos, rosés, moscatos and franciacortas. Highlights include the Vigne di Alice sparkling rosé ($11/45); Sul Lievito DOCG Adami, a bone-dry prosecco with small lively bubbles ($40); and Barone Pizzini DOCG Brut, a pinot noir structure rounded out by chardonnay and bubbles ($60).
WHEN: February 12-14
For reservations please call (781) 272-1600
6) Lydia Shire alongside executive chef Simon Restrepo and executive sous chef Alex Pineda now are dishing out a seasonal menu brimming with wintertime’s most comforting tastes at Scampo. Italian for “escape,” Scampo is providing diners with a winter retreat laced in delicious flavors and warm hospitality.
To whet your appetite, there are a series of new starter courses. In the “Handmade Breads” category, there is the Roti, served with or without chili, cumin lamb meatballs ($5/10) and Hot Flaky Moroccan Flatbread with petit Moroccan salad bites ($10). On the pizza side, there is a Long Cooked Broccoli & Speck with sweetened ricotta and spicy pecans ($19) and White Pizza with truffle cheese, mushroom duxelles and a Vin Santo and fig preserve ($25). The Winter’s Chestnut & Roasted Garlic Soup is poured tableside over crisped duck leg confit ($16) while the Scampo Twice Fried Chicken ‘Paddles’ sees a trio of wings served up with sweet potato tempura ($15).
For sea treasures, there is the Manila Clams Limoncello steamed with hot oil sashimi of Shire’s signature “#1 tuna” and Hamachi ($21) and Brown Butter Crab Cake with Peekytoe Maine crab, English mustard and pomelo aioli ($21). Other new appetizers include Beef Tenderloin ‘Minute Steak’ with duck fat fried gaufrettes, quail egg and caviar ($24) and Hungarian Mangalica Prosciutto with crushed Marcona almonds and hot tangerine soufflé ($36). From the signature mozzarella bar, there are a duo of newcomers: Mozzarella with Prosciutto & Warm Black Truffle Gougere, black radish and pineapple crema ($26) and Beef Sirloin Carpaccio with fried artichokes, zested winter citrus and Aleppo pepper ($21).
The “Handmade Pasta e Risotti” offerings have been refreshed to include Pear & Pecorino Ravioli with grilled trevisano and warm potato ‘butter’ ($18/28); Preserved Tomato Tortelli with crisped skate wing, garlicky toasted hazelnuts and saffron aioli ($19/29); Handmade Whole Wheat Bigoli with baby lamb ragu, giant yellow raisins and pale celery leaf chiffonade ($19/29); and, Wild Rapini Rissoto with grilled “Greek style” quail, skordalia, dill and burnt lemon ($24).
For reservations, please call (617) 536-2100
7) Alpine Restaurant Group’s Posto will be offering guests limited-time only dinner specials in addition to their regularly available menu on Valentine’s Day weekend.
The specially added dishes are as follows:
Antipasti
Scallop Crudo with preserved lemon, celery hearts and meyer lemon vinaigrette
Root Vegetables with wood-roasted vegetables, pickled carrots and herbed yogurt chardonnay vinaigrette
Entrée
Love Letter Raviolis with beet and ricotta filling, mint and shaved parmesan
Ribeye Tender with Yukon gold puree, foie gras and black truffle madeira sauce
Risotto with parsnips, grapefruit, thyme and parmesan
Dolci
Dark Chocolate Cake with chocolate mousse and raspberry port coulis
Napoleon with marsala zabaglione and raspberry mousse
WHEN: Saturday, February 13, from 5pm-11pm; Sunday, February 14, from 4:30pm-10pm
To make reservations, please call (617) 625-0600
8) Saloon will welcome Cupid to Davis Square this Valentine’s Day weekend. On Saturday and Sunday nights, executive chef Shayne Nunes will dish out two nights of specials laced in comfort that are designed to complement Saloon’s 120 rare whiskey selections.
On Saturday evening, Chef Nunes’ will dish out a customizable three-course prix fixe menu with optional whiskey pairings and the items also will be available a la carte. Appetizer options include Fried Oysters with kimchi tartar sauce ($12) or Honey Glazed Baby Carrots with pistachio-basil ricotta and crispy parsnips ($9). For entrees, there is Stout Braised Short Rib with roasted rainbow carrots, cauliflower puree and pickled red onion ($26) or Sweet Potato Gnocchi with chanterelle mushrooms, baby kale, parmesan and maple cream ($21). For a taste of decadence, there is an Espresso Molten Lava Cake with brûléed banana and hazelnut ice cream ($7) or Clementine Panna Cotta with citrus curd and roasted pistachio crumble ($7).
On Sunday evening, appetizer specials include the Chipotle Vanilla Butter Poached Lobster Tail with Applewood smoked bacon, clementine, frisée and avocado crème ($18) and Roasted Beets with mesclun and chicory greens, pistachio and a goat cheese fritter ($12). Chef Nunes has designed two entrees, a Pan Roasted Filet Mignon with truffle whipped potatoes, crispy shallots and mushroom demi-glace ($38) and a Sweet Potato & Red Quinoa Hash with chanterelle mushrooms, baby kale and lemon-maple ricotta ($18). For those with a sweet tooth, there are a duo of desserts: Espresso Molten Lava Cake with brûléed banana and hazelnut ice cream ($7) and Clementine Panna Cotta with citrus curd and roasted pistachio crumble ($7).
COST: Saturday: Prix fixe available for $40 per person or $65 with whiskey pairings; specials also available at a la carte pricing. Sunday: Specials available at a la carte pricing.
For reservations, please call (617) 628-4444
9) Chef/Owner Will Gilson and the Puritan and Co. team invite guests to join them for a night of all things sparkling wine at their upcoming Bubble Rumble. The winter counterpart to Puritan and Co.’s popular summertime wine rumble event Rosé Rumble, Bubble Rumble will offer guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the best bubbles in Boston like a true insider.
Taking place on Wednesday, February 10th, Bubble Rumble will showcase a variety of sparkling wines for guests to taste, discuss, and learn about while enjoying bites from Chef Will Gilson and the Puritan and Co. team.
The night will feature two, separately ticketed sessions- one at 5:30 p.m. and one at 8 p.m. Tickets are $80 and can be purchased here: http://bit.ly/bubblerumble2016.
**********************************************************
1) Connecticut pop-up venture, [oink], is taking over the kitchen at Ribelle in Brookline for three nights in late February. Titled the “CT Chef Takeover”, the collaboration dinners are meant to give the city of Boston a taste of what Connecticut chefs are up to. The dinners will be different menus each night and will be 5-7 course tastings ranging from $65-$85.
The chefs collaborating with [oink]‘s Craig Hutchinson and Alex Lishchynsky will be Matt Wick of River Tavern on February 23rd, James Wayman of Oyster Club on February 24th, and Tyler Anderson of Millwrights on February 25th.
Ribelle owner/chef Tim Maslow and [oink] co-chef Craig Hutchinson worked together while opening Ribelle in 2013. Hutchinson became the first Chef de Cuisine of Ribelle and the restaurant received the coveted “four stars” from the Boston Globe. Since then Maslow has gone on to win Food & Wine’s Best New Chef award. Maslow offered the restaurant to Hutchinson as he will be in Montreal at a food festival for those 3 nights.
Menu’s have yet to be written and tickets go on sale soon, however these dates and chefs have been finalized.
2) On Wednesday, February 10, Tony Maws will welcome Chef Deuki Hong and writer Matt Rodbard to The Kirkland Tap & Trotter for a one-night-only event celebrating the soju-slamming, pepper-pounding, kimchi-everything adventure that is Koreatown: A Cookbook (Clarkson Potter/Publishers; on sale February 16, 2016). For two years, co-authors Hong and Rodbard gathered recipes, stories, in-the-moment photos, and thoughtful interviews from Korean American neighborhoods all across the country to comprise their portrait of a culture in Koreatown. With a penchant for global comfort foods, killer wood grill to complement the flavors of Korean barbeque, and convivial atmosphere, Kirkland is the ideal place to kick-off the cookbook tour.
DINING OPTIONS:
--Option 1: Guests can book seats at one of Kirkland’s communal tables and enjoy a family-style dinner and discussion with Hong and Rodbard, as they dig into dishes such as marinated and grilled Korean-style Beef Short Ribs; and, Kimchi and Bacon Fried Rice with Gochujang Butter. The evening includes dinner, a complimentary welcome cocktail, and a signed copy of Koreatown for $48.00 (exclusive of tax and gratuity).
--Option 2: The Kimchi and Bacon Fried Rice will be on the menu at Kirkland for any/all to enjoy that night, in addition to the restaurant’s a la carte menu. The cookbook will also be available for purchase for $30.00.
TICKETS: Advanced online ticket purchase is required for dinner at the communal table: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/feast-to-celebrate-the-debut-of-koreatown-a-cookbook-tickets-20933491637.
Space is limited, and guests are encouraged to book ASAP.
Seatings at the communal table are 6:30pm and 8:30pm. The Kirkland bar and dining room opens for a la carte dinner service at 5:30pm.
3) I'm back with a couple more restaurants which will have snow emergency specials this winter. During declared snow emergencies in the city of Boston, Coda will be offering a grilled cheese and tomato soup special. Variations may include braised beef grilled cheese among other flavors. Also during declared snow emergencies in the city of Boston, Pastoral Artisan Pizza, Kitchen, and Bar will be offering its margherita pizza with a select beer, normally priced at $24, for $18 at its bar.
4) Beginning February 1, Tryst, located in Arlington, will launch its all new pop-up concept, “Covengno” every Sunday through Tuesday from 5pm-10pm. Convegno, translating roughly to mean “tryst” in Italian, is Chef Turano’s new Italian-inspired menu which will be offered in addition to the regular menu every Sunday through Tuesday. Guests can choose from three pasta dishes including: hand cut tagliatelle with shrimp, olio santo, garlic and lemon; stuffed pasta with Sunday gravy; Roman Style Gnocchi with roasted winter vegetables, toasted pine nuts & brown butter; and orecchiette with house made chicken sausage with rabe & chilis. Each dish is $18 and will be served with a house-made to go cannoli.
Every few months Chef/Owner Paul Turano plays around with his concept. From his popular AFC, “Arlington Fried Chicken” to T’s BBQ joint, T’s Clam Shack and most recently T’s Taco Bar, each concept represents a fun trend in dining that Chef Turano and his team want to experiment with.
“We like to take everyday items and play with them at the restaurant. Sometimes I think you need to pay homage to where a dish comes from, but sometimes you simply need to use the concept as a vehicle to push the concept further,” said Turano.
Convegno will launch February 1 and will be available through spring 2016 for both dine-in and take-out.
5) Osteria Nino will be opening its doors to welcome San Valentino at 3rd Ave in Burlington. Throughout Valentine’s Day weekend, this authentic Roman kitchen will be dishing out a collection of treasures from the local seas in addition to a decadent dessert.
To start, executive chef Walace Benica will serve Oysters & Shrimp with mignonette and cocktail sauce ($15). For the pasta course, there is Lobster Pappardelle with tomato and prosecco broth ($26) and the main course is a Prosciutto Wrapped Monkfish with beet risotto ($26). To end the romantic evening with something sweet, there is a Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake with chocolate covered strawberries ($10).
Osteria Nino’s all-Italian wine list has extensive sparkling options by the glass and bottle, including prosceccos, rosés, moscatos and franciacortas. Highlights include the Vigne di Alice sparkling rosé ($11/45); Sul Lievito DOCG Adami, a bone-dry prosecco with small lively bubbles ($40); and Barone Pizzini DOCG Brut, a pinot noir structure rounded out by chardonnay and bubbles ($60).
WHEN: February 12-14
For reservations please call (781) 272-1600
6) Lydia Shire alongside executive chef Simon Restrepo and executive sous chef Alex Pineda now are dishing out a seasonal menu brimming with wintertime’s most comforting tastes at Scampo. Italian for “escape,” Scampo is providing diners with a winter retreat laced in delicious flavors and warm hospitality.
To whet your appetite, there are a series of new starter courses. In the “Handmade Breads” category, there is the Roti, served with or without chili, cumin lamb meatballs ($5/10) and Hot Flaky Moroccan Flatbread with petit Moroccan salad bites ($10). On the pizza side, there is a Long Cooked Broccoli & Speck with sweetened ricotta and spicy pecans ($19) and White Pizza with truffle cheese, mushroom duxelles and a Vin Santo and fig preserve ($25). The Winter’s Chestnut & Roasted Garlic Soup is poured tableside over crisped duck leg confit ($16) while the Scampo Twice Fried Chicken ‘Paddles’ sees a trio of wings served up with sweet potato tempura ($15).
For sea treasures, there is the Manila Clams Limoncello steamed with hot oil sashimi of Shire’s signature “#1 tuna” and Hamachi ($21) and Brown Butter Crab Cake with Peekytoe Maine crab, English mustard and pomelo aioli ($21). Other new appetizers include Beef Tenderloin ‘Minute Steak’ with duck fat fried gaufrettes, quail egg and caviar ($24) and Hungarian Mangalica Prosciutto with crushed Marcona almonds and hot tangerine soufflé ($36). From the signature mozzarella bar, there are a duo of newcomers: Mozzarella with Prosciutto & Warm Black Truffle Gougere, black radish and pineapple crema ($26) and Beef Sirloin Carpaccio with fried artichokes, zested winter citrus and Aleppo pepper ($21).
The “Handmade Pasta e Risotti” offerings have been refreshed to include Pear & Pecorino Ravioli with grilled trevisano and warm potato ‘butter’ ($18/28); Preserved Tomato Tortelli with crisped skate wing, garlicky toasted hazelnuts and saffron aioli ($19/29); Handmade Whole Wheat Bigoli with baby lamb ragu, giant yellow raisins and pale celery leaf chiffonade ($19/29); and, Wild Rapini Rissoto with grilled “Greek style” quail, skordalia, dill and burnt lemon ($24).
For reservations, please call (617) 536-2100
7) Alpine Restaurant Group’s Posto will be offering guests limited-time only dinner specials in addition to their regularly available menu on Valentine’s Day weekend.
The specially added dishes are as follows:
Antipasti
Scallop Crudo with preserved lemon, celery hearts and meyer lemon vinaigrette
Root Vegetables with wood-roasted vegetables, pickled carrots and herbed yogurt chardonnay vinaigrette
Entrée
Love Letter Raviolis with beet and ricotta filling, mint and shaved parmesan
Ribeye Tender with Yukon gold puree, foie gras and black truffle madeira sauce
Risotto with parsnips, grapefruit, thyme and parmesan
Dolci
Dark Chocolate Cake with chocolate mousse and raspberry port coulis
Napoleon with marsala zabaglione and raspberry mousse
WHEN: Saturday, February 13, from 5pm-11pm; Sunday, February 14, from 4:30pm-10pm
To make reservations, please call (617) 625-0600
8) Saloon will welcome Cupid to Davis Square this Valentine’s Day weekend. On Saturday and Sunday nights, executive chef Shayne Nunes will dish out two nights of specials laced in comfort that are designed to complement Saloon’s 120 rare whiskey selections.
On Saturday evening, Chef Nunes’ will dish out a customizable three-course prix fixe menu with optional whiskey pairings and the items also will be available a la carte. Appetizer options include Fried Oysters with kimchi tartar sauce ($12) or Honey Glazed Baby Carrots with pistachio-basil ricotta and crispy parsnips ($9). For entrees, there is Stout Braised Short Rib with roasted rainbow carrots, cauliflower puree and pickled red onion ($26) or Sweet Potato Gnocchi with chanterelle mushrooms, baby kale, parmesan and maple cream ($21). For a taste of decadence, there is an Espresso Molten Lava Cake with brûléed banana and hazelnut ice cream ($7) or Clementine Panna Cotta with citrus curd and roasted pistachio crumble ($7).
On Sunday evening, appetizer specials include the Chipotle Vanilla Butter Poached Lobster Tail with Applewood smoked bacon, clementine, frisée and avocado crème ($18) and Roasted Beets with mesclun and chicory greens, pistachio and a goat cheese fritter ($12). Chef Nunes has designed two entrees, a Pan Roasted Filet Mignon with truffle whipped potatoes, crispy shallots and mushroom demi-glace ($38) and a Sweet Potato & Red Quinoa Hash with chanterelle mushrooms, baby kale and lemon-maple ricotta ($18). For those with a sweet tooth, there are a duo of desserts: Espresso Molten Lava Cake with brûléed banana and hazelnut ice cream ($7) and Clementine Panna Cotta with citrus curd and roasted pistachio crumble ($7).
COST: Saturday: Prix fixe available for $40 per person or $65 with whiskey pairings; specials also available at a la carte pricing. Sunday: Specials available at a la carte pricing.
For reservations, please call (617) 628-4444
9) Chef/Owner Will Gilson and the Puritan and Co. team invite guests to join them for a night of all things sparkling wine at their upcoming Bubble Rumble. The winter counterpart to Puritan and Co.’s popular summertime wine rumble event Rosé Rumble, Bubble Rumble will offer guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the best bubbles in Boston like a true insider.
Taking place on Wednesday, February 10th, Bubble Rumble will showcase a variety of sparkling wines for guests to taste, discuss, and learn about while enjoying bites from Chef Will Gilson and the Puritan and Co. team.
The night will feature two, separately ticketed sessions- one at 5:30 p.m. and one at 8 p.m. Tickets are $80 and can be purchased here: http://bit.ly/bubblerumble2016.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Thursday Sips & Nibbles
I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting wine and food items that are upcoming.
**********************************************************
1) Bergamot Chefs Keith Pooler and Dan Bazzinotti along with Beverage Director Kai Gagnon will make Valentine’s Day even more romantic with their aphrodisiac inspired multi-course menu. The Valentine’s Day menu includes six courses for $95 with a wine pairing available for an additional $60.
The menu includes:
First Course:
Broiled Oyster with poblano pepper, sweet potato and black barley
Second Course:
Scallop Sausage with fennel, blood orange, mascarpone, and Marcona Almonds
Third Course:
Lobster with avocado, yellow-eyed peas, grilled vegetable mole
Fourth Course:
Pomegranate Glazed Quail with Sausage, Broccoli, and Garlic
Fifth Course:
Long Island Duck Breast with Bread Pudding, Pickled Persimmon, Maitake Mushrooms, Walnut, and Chervil
Sixth Course:
Chocolate Éclair with apricot, burnt sugar, hazelnut, orange and chocolate sorbet
WHEN: Saturday, February 14. Seatings begin at 5pm
For reservations, please call 617-576-7700.
2) Puritan & Co. Chef/Owner Will Gilson and his talented team pay homage to Italy’s Bubble Belt in the next installation of “Wine Wednesdays”. On Wednesday, February 4, at 7pm, Puritan & Company offers guests a taste of Italy’s Bubble Belt that includes everything from frothy reds and sparkling whites. The wine dinner is $65 per guest and reservations are recommended. Featured wines include Lambruscos and natural-made wines from Piedmont, Liguria and Veneto. Each wine will be paired perfectly with small plates prepared by Puritan and Company’s award-winning kitchen staff.
The selections featured are:
Podere il Caliceto, Emilia-Romagna:
2013 Bianco dell’Emilia “BiFri”
2013 Lambrusco di Sorbara “Falistra”
Fondo Bozzole, Lombardy:
2013 Lambrusco Montovano “Incantabiss”
2013 Montova Rosso “Le Mani”
2013 Vino Spumante Rosato “Cocai”
For reservations, please call (617)-615-6195
3) It’s Mardi Gras in New England which generally means restaurants will be adding the word “Creole” and “Cajun” in front of dishes on menus everywhere. But, how true is this to authentic Mardi Gras fare? Chef Paul Turano, chef/owner of Tryst restaurant in Arlington, has taken it upon himself to bring authenticity to his special Mardi Gras dinner being held on Tuesday, February 17, from 5pm-10pm.
Served in addition to Tryst’s regular menu, Mardi Gras diners can look forward to experiencing a three-course prix fixe menu available for $30 per person featuring items such as blackened catfish with red beans, rice & celery root remoulade, fried green tomato “BLT” with pork belly, lettuce & ranch dressing and Cinnamon-Sugar Beignets with Cinnamon-Bourbon caramel and milk jam. That’s not all, guests will be able to enjoy authentic cocktails and Hurricanes galore.
Reservations are strongly recommended so please call 781-641-2227.
4) On Tuesday, February 10, at 6:30pm, Legal Harborside will team up with Cyril Chappellet, Chairman of the Board of Chappellet, to host an exclusive four-plus-course wine dinner. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, the Chappellet family’s romance with Pritchard Hill’s vineyards started more than four decades ago when Donn and Molly Chappellet first glimpsed its magnificent vista of forests and wildflower-filled meadows. From these vineyards, the Chappellets have been crafting extraordinary, age-worthy wines since 1967. The rugged terroir has become legendary for producing wines with great intensity and depth—qualities that define the world's finest Cabernet Sauvignons. As a result, Chappellet wines have consistently received the highest praise from critics, and are sought after by the world's premier collectors.
The menu will be presented as follows:
HORS D’OEUVRES
Duck Liver Mousse (apricot mostarda, toasted brioche)
King Crab (Meyer lemon panna cotta, pickled fennel)
Speck Wrapped Pears (local honey, hazelnut crumble)
Lobster Cappuccino (tarragon foam, puff pastry)
Chappellet “Donn Chappellet” Signature Chardonnay, Napa Valley, 2013
FIRST COURSE
West Coast Geoduck Clam (torched sashimi-style, winter melon, guava vinaigrette, shiso leaf)
Chappellet “Molly Chappellet” Signature Chenin Blanc, Napa Valley, 2013
SECOND COURSE
Moroccan Braised Lamb Belly (pomegranate molasses, stewed chickpeas, sumac-scented yogurt)
Chappellet “Donn Chappellet” Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2012
THIRD COURSE
Creekstone Farms Charred New York Strip Steak (brown butter sunchoke purée, smoked cipollini butter, black garlic bordelaise)
Chappellet “Pritchard Hill” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2011
CHEESE COURSE
L’explorateur Triple Crème Cow’s Milk Cheese (chocolate brioche, kumquat preserves, minus 8 vinegar)
Chappellet Zinfandel, Napa Valley, 2012
COST: $125 per person (excludes tax & gratuity)
Reservation required by calling 617-530-9470
1) Bergamot Chefs Keith Pooler and Dan Bazzinotti along with Beverage Director Kai Gagnon will make Valentine’s Day even more romantic with their aphrodisiac inspired multi-course menu. The Valentine’s Day menu includes six courses for $95 with a wine pairing available for an additional $60.
The menu includes:
First Course:
Broiled Oyster with poblano pepper, sweet potato and black barley
Second Course:
Scallop Sausage with fennel, blood orange, mascarpone, and Marcona Almonds
Third Course:
Lobster with avocado, yellow-eyed peas, grilled vegetable mole
Fourth Course:
Pomegranate Glazed Quail with Sausage, Broccoli, and Garlic
Fifth Course:
Long Island Duck Breast with Bread Pudding, Pickled Persimmon, Maitake Mushrooms, Walnut, and Chervil
Sixth Course:
Chocolate Éclair with apricot, burnt sugar, hazelnut, orange and chocolate sorbet
WHEN: Saturday, February 14. Seatings begin at 5pm
For reservations, please call 617-576-7700.
2) Puritan & Co. Chef/Owner Will Gilson and his talented team pay homage to Italy’s Bubble Belt in the next installation of “Wine Wednesdays”. On Wednesday, February 4, at 7pm, Puritan & Company offers guests a taste of Italy’s Bubble Belt that includes everything from frothy reds and sparkling whites. The wine dinner is $65 per guest and reservations are recommended. Featured wines include Lambruscos and natural-made wines from Piedmont, Liguria and Veneto. Each wine will be paired perfectly with small plates prepared by Puritan and Company’s award-winning kitchen staff.
The selections featured are:
Podere il Caliceto, Emilia-Romagna:
2013 Bianco dell’Emilia “BiFri”
2013 Lambrusco di Sorbara “Falistra”
Fondo Bozzole, Lombardy:
2013 Lambrusco Montovano “Incantabiss”
2013 Montova Rosso “Le Mani”
2013 Vino Spumante Rosato “Cocai”
For reservations, please call (617)-615-6195
3) It’s Mardi Gras in New England which generally means restaurants will be adding the word “Creole” and “Cajun” in front of dishes on menus everywhere. But, how true is this to authentic Mardi Gras fare? Chef Paul Turano, chef/owner of Tryst restaurant in Arlington, has taken it upon himself to bring authenticity to his special Mardi Gras dinner being held on Tuesday, February 17, from 5pm-10pm.
Served in addition to Tryst’s regular menu, Mardi Gras diners can look forward to experiencing a three-course prix fixe menu available for $30 per person featuring items such as blackened catfish with red beans, rice & celery root remoulade, fried green tomato “BLT” with pork belly, lettuce & ranch dressing and Cinnamon-Sugar Beignets with Cinnamon-Bourbon caramel and milk jam. That’s not all, guests will be able to enjoy authentic cocktails and Hurricanes galore.
Reservations are strongly recommended so please call 781-641-2227.
4) On Tuesday, February 10, at 6:30pm, Legal Harborside will team up with Cyril Chappellet, Chairman of the Board of Chappellet, to host an exclusive four-plus-course wine dinner. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, the Chappellet family’s romance with Pritchard Hill’s vineyards started more than four decades ago when Donn and Molly Chappellet first glimpsed its magnificent vista of forests and wildflower-filled meadows. From these vineyards, the Chappellets have been crafting extraordinary, age-worthy wines since 1967. The rugged terroir has become legendary for producing wines with great intensity and depth—qualities that define the world's finest Cabernet Sauvignons. As a result, Chappellet wines have consistently received the highest praise from critics, and are sought after by the world's premier collectors.
The menu will be presented as follows:
HORS D’OEUVRES
Duck Liver Mousse (apricot mostarda, toasted brioche)
King Crab (Meyer lemon panna cotta, pickled fennel)
Speck Wrapped Pears (local honey, hazelnut crumble)
Lobster Cappuccino (tarragon foam, puff pastry)
Chappellet “Donn Chappellet” Signature Chardonnay, Napa Valley, 2013
FIRST COURSE
West Coast Geoduck Clam (torched sashimi-style, winter melon, guava vinaigrette, shiso leaf)
Chappellet “Molly Chappellet” Signature Chenin Blanc, Napa Valley, 2013
SECOND COURSE
Moroccan Braised Lamb Belly (pomegranate molasses, stewed chickpeas, sumac-scented yogurt)
Chappellet “Donn Chappellet” Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2012
THIRD COURSE
Creekstone Farms Charred New York Strip Steak (brown butter sunchoke purée, smoked cipollini butter, black garlic bordelaise)
Chappellet “Pritchard Hill” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2011
CHEESE COURSE
L’explorateur Triple Crème Cow’s Milk Cheese (chocolate brioche, kumquat preserves, minus 8 vinegar)
Chappellet Zinfandel, Napa Valley, 2012
COST: $125 per person (excludes tax & gratuity)
Reservation required by calling 617-530-9470
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Thursday Sips & Nibbles
I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting wine and food items that are upcoming.
**********************************************************
1) This Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, “Top Chef” star Tiffani Faison is closing her restaurant for normal service to host her annual “Valentine’s Day Meat Market.” Beginning at 8pm, Sweet Cheeks will be transformed from an authentic Southern BBQ destination into a prom night to remember.
For all you single ladies and gentleman, or for the Valentine’s Day sweethearts that are searching for an alternative night, Sweet Cheeks has you covered. Upon arrival, rock your old prom dresses and baby blue matching suits and pose for the prom photographer. A BBQ dinner will be served before you dance and mingle with friends while sipping on spiked punch bowls without the fear of your high school teachers catching you.
COST: $75 per person RSVP:
Must be 21+ to attend and consume alcohol; valid government ID required.
To purchase tickets visit: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/meat-market-sweet-cheeks-presents-prom-night-tickets-15243429508?aff=es2&rank=1
2) Legal Crossing will celebrate their first Valentine’s Day with a three-course customizable menu featuring the best from land and sea throughout Valentine’s Day weekend.
The menu will be presented as follows:
AMUSE
She-Crab Soup (blue crab, oloroso sherry, crab roe)
FIRST COURSE
-choice of-
Oysters & Pearls (hackleback caviar, myer lemon-crème fraiche sorbet)
Coquilles St Jaques (black trumpet duxelle, lobster veloute)
MAINS
-choice of-
Lobster Mousseline Stuffed Dover Sole (potato duchess, herbed baby carrots, champagne beurre blanc)
Chateaubriand (sauce béarnaise, potato duchess, herbed baby carrots)
DESSERT COURSE
-choice of-
Warm Chocolate Ganache Fondue (long stem strawberries, dried figs, baby bananas, housemade marshmallows)
Baked Alaska (almond brittle ice cream, candied cherries)
WHEN: Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 15
COST: Three-course prix fixe: $50 per person
Reservations can be made by contacting 617-477-2900
3) On February 10, Legal Sea Foods in Park Square will host a four-course pairings menu as an early celebration for Valentine’s Day. For one night only, guests will indulge in this romance-inspired chef’s tasting menu with exclusive wine pairings to delight their palates.
The menu will be presented as follows:
FIRST COURSE
Oysters on the Half Shell (Champagne Pomegranate Mignonette)
JCB “No. 21” Cremant de Bourgogne, Burgundy, NV
SECOND COURSE
Seared Diver Scallops (Frutti di Mare Risotto, Béarnaise Sauce)
Bonny Doon “Le Cigare Blanc,” Beeswax Vineyard, Arroyo Seco, 2008
THIRD COURSE
Grilled Tuna Steak (Leek & Cheddar Potato Au Gratin, Cipollini Onion Jam)
Lemelson Vineyards “Thea’s Selection” Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, 2001
DESSERT COURSE
Strawberry-Rhubarb Bread Pudding (Chocolate, Crème Anglaise)
Rosa Regale Brachetto d’Acqui, Piemonte, 2012
COST: $40 per person (excludes tax & gratuity)
Reservation required by calling 617-530-9397
4) On Thursday, January 29, from 6:30pm-9:30pm, CHOPPS American Bar and Grill will host a Bourbon Dinner, a 5 course tasting menu that is paired with Bourbon based cocktails. You'll enjoy a dinner prepared by Chef David Verdo, paired with different types of bourbons. They will discuss different characteristics of Bourbons, its popularity, and have some great laughs as well.This sounds like an excellent event and I recommend it.
Cost: $70 per person
To purchase tickets, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chopps-american-bar-and-grill-bourbon-dinner-tickets-15171042998
5) This Valentine’s Day, The Beehive will indulge lovers with “Three Days of Lovin’” - a three-day long event featuring Valentine’s Day inspired dishes from Executive Chef Marc Orfaly, drink specials from Moët & Chandon and Domaine Chandon, and live jazz and soul performances from Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 15.
On Saturday, February 14, guests can enjoy a special prix fixe menu for $65 per person. Chef Orfaly will be serving romantic specials including: Crispy Oysters; Escargot Risotto; Herb Crusted Prime Rib with whipped potatoes, english peas, roasted cipollini onions and red wine sauce; Swordfish Puttanesca with tomato, capers, olives, lemon and linguine; and Confit Lamb Shank with gnocchi, grilled heirloom carrots and broccoli rabe. The meal will end on a sweet note as guests share desserts such as Chocolate Truffle Pot De Crème and Strawberry Cheesecake. The prix fixe menu will be served exclusively on Saturday, February 14.
Why limit the love to one day? Guests can enjoy luxe specials in addition to the regular menu on Friday, February 13 and Sunday, February 15 as well as a lover’s weekend brunch on both Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 3PM. All weekend long guests can get in the mood with one of The Beehive’s Valentine’s Day drink specials featuring Moët & Chandon and Domaine Chandon, and wine enthusiasts will appreciate The Beehive’s extensive wine list featuring exceptional sparkling and reserve wines. Reservations are highly recommended.
COST: Menu specials à la carte. The prix fixe dinner menu on Saturday is $65 per person.
Reservations are highly recommended by calling 617-423-0069
6) For Valentine's Day, check out M.C. Spiedo, where chefs Mark Gaier and Clark Frasier have crafted a 3-course Valentine¹s Day menu, for $49 per person, featuring both house-favorites and decadent specials (all items also available a la carte).
Some of the menu highlights include, but are not limited, to:
Appetizers
· Grand Trencher: selection of meats and cheeses ($15)
· Fluke Crudo: Maine uni, passion fruit, crispy black olives, radish
Entrees
· Braised Pork Belly Cassoulet: pork sausage, crispy duck, roasted pear ($34)
· Grilled Filet Mignon: seared scallops, baby turnips, beech mushroom, horseradish cream ($38)
· Wild Atlantic Salmon: roasted fennel, pinenut sauce ($29)
Dessert
· Affogato: espresso ice cream, anise cookie crumble, whipped cream, coco nibs ($7)
· Gianduja Cheesecake: chocolate-hazelnut cheesecake with shaved hazelnuts, raspberry sauce, meringue ($7)
7) For Valentine's Day, you could check out Coppa, where chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette will celebrate Valentine¹s Day with a 3-course menu for $55, with the option of an additional $35 for wine pairing and $15 for a cheese supplement (including the return of their Lady and the Tramp spaghetti and meatballs)
Highlights include but are not limited to:
1st Course
· Zucca Passata: Italian pumpkin hummus, pomegranate, salsa verde, cucumber
· Crudo of Scallop: N¹duja impasto, harissa, crispy quinoa
2nd Course
· ³Lady and the Tramp² Spaghetti e Polpette: Coppa spaghetti and meatballs
· Cappelletti con Pastinaca: Parsnip-filled pasta, bra duro, smoked hazelnut, rye
· Porchetta Spalla: Slow roasted pork shoulder, hay smoked carrot, sunflower seed puree
3rd Course
· Sundae: Olive oil cake, pistachio gelato, luxardo cherries
· Tiramisu: House-made espresso and Frangelico soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone and cocoa
8) Executive Chef Chris Coombs and Chef de Cuisine Adrienne Mosier introduce a new dish to delight the senses for guests of Deuxave. The latest menu addition is a Perigord Truffle Studded Roast Giannone Chicken ($99). All of Giannone’s chickens are organic and grown naturally and free range. At Deuxave, these qualities are enhanced with the addition of 10 grams of Black Perigord Truffles. The luxurious date night dish serves two and is presented tableside along with Robuchon potatoes, heirloom carrots, crispy mushrooms, Brussels sprouts leaves, red watercress and truffle honey juice.
WHEN: Available daily, for a limited time only
Sunday – Wednesday: 5pm-10pm; Thursday – Saturday: 5pm-11pm
To make a reservation, please call 617-517-5915
1) This Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, “Top Chef” star Tiffani Faison is closing her restaurant for normal service to host her annual “Valentine’s Day Meat Market.” Beginning at 8pm, Sweet Cheeks will be transformed from an authentic Southern BBQ destination into a prom night to remember.
For all you single ladies and gentleman, or for the Valentine’s Day sweethearts that are searching for an alternative night, Sweet Cheeks has you covered. Upon arrival, rock your old prom dresses and baby blue matching suits and pose for the prom photographer. A BBQ dinner will be served before you dance and mingle with friends while sipping on spiked punch bowls without the fear of your high school teachers catching you.
COST: $75 per person RSVP:
Must be 21+ to attend and consume alcohol; valid government ID required.
To purchase tickets visit: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/meat-market-sweet-cheeks-presents-prom-night-tickets-15243429508?aff=es2&rank=1
2) Legal Crossing will celebrate their first Valentine’s Day with a three-course customizable menu featuring the best from land and sea throughout Valentine’s Day weekend.
The menu will be presented as follows:
AMUSE
She-Crab Soup (blue crab, oloroso sherry, crab roe)
FIRST COURSE
-choice of-
Oysters & Pearls (hackleback caviar, myer lemon-crème fraiche sorbet)
Coquilles St Jaques (black trumpet duxelle, lobster veloute)
MAINS
-choice of-
Lobster Mousseline Stuffed Dover Sole (potato duchess, herbed baby carrots, champagne beurre blanc)
Chateaubriand (sauce béarnaise, potato duchess, herbed baby carrots)
DESSERT COURSE
-choice of-
Warm Chocolate Ganache Fondue (long stem strawberries, dried figs, baby bananas, housemade marshmallows)
Baked Alaska (almond brittle ice cream, candied cherries)
WHEN: Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 15
COST: Three-course prix fixe: $50 per person
Reservations can be made by contacting 617-477-2900
3) On February 10, Legal Sea Foods in Park Square will host a four-course pairings menu as an early celebration for Valentine’s Day. For one night only, guests will indulge in this romance-inspired chef’s tasting menu with exclusive wine pairings to delight their palates.
The menu will be presented as follows:
FIRST COURSE
Oysters on the Half Shell (Champagne Pomegranate Mignonette)
JCB “No. 21” Cremant de Bourgogne, Burgundy, NV
SECOND COURSE
Seared Diver Scallops (Frutti di Mare Risotto, Béarnaise Sauce)
Bonny Doon “Le Cigare Blanc,” Beeswax Vineyard, Arroyo Seco, 2008
THIRD COURSE
Grilled Tuna Steak (Leek & Cheddar Potato Au Gratin, Cipollini Onion Jam)
Lemelson Vineyards “Thea’s Selection” Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, 2001
DESSERT COURSE
Strawberry-Rhubarb Bread Pudding (Chocolate, Crème Anglaise)
Rosa Regale Brachetto d’Acqui, Piemonte, 2012
COST: $40 per person (excludes tax & gratuity)
Reservation required by calling 617-530-9397
4) On Thursday, January 29, from 6:30pm-9:30pm, CHOPPS American Bar and Grill will host a Bourbon Dinner, a 5 course tasting menu that is paired with Bourbon based cocktails. You'll enjoy a dinner prepared by Chef David Verdo, paired with different types of bourbons. They will discuss different characteristics of Bourbons, its popularity, and have some great laughs as well.This sounds like an excellent event and I recommend it.
Cost: $70 per person
To purchase tickets, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chopps-american-bar-and-grill-bourbon-dinner-tickets-15171042998
5) This Valentine’s Day, The Beehive will indulge lovers with “Three Days of Lovin’” - a three-day long event featuring Valentine’s Day inspired dishes from Executive Chef Marc Orfaly, drink specials from Moët & Chandon and Domaine Chandon, and live jazz and soul performances from Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 15.
On Saturday, February 14, guests can enjoy a special prix fixe menu for $65 per person. Chef Orfaly will be serving romantic specials including: Crispy Oysters; Escargot Risotto; Herb Crusted Prime Rib with whipped potatoes, english peas, roasted cipollini onions and red wine sauce; Swordfish Puttanesca with tomato, capers, olives, lemon and linguine; and Confit Lamb Shank with gnocchi, grilled heirloom carrots and broccoli rabe. The meal will end on a sweet note as guests share desserts such as Chocolate Truffle Pot De Crème and Strawberry Cheesecake. The prix fixe menu will be served exclusively on Saturday, February 14.
Why limit the love to one day? Guests can enjoy luxe specials in addition to the regular menu on Friday, February 13 and Sunday, February 15 as well as a lover’s weekend brunch on both Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 3PM. All weekend long guests can get in the mood with one of The Beehive’s Valentine’s Day drink specials featuring Moët & Chandon and Domaine Chandon, and wine enthusiasts will appreciate The Beehive’s extensive wine list featuring exceptional sparkling and reserve wines. Reservations are highly recommended.
COST: Menu specials à la carte. The prix fixe dinner menu on Saturday is $65 per person.
Reservations are highly recommended by calling 617-423-0069
6) For Valentine's Day, check out M.C. Spiedo, where chefs Mark Gaier and Clark Frasier have crafted a 3-course Valentine¹s Day menu, for $49 per person, featuring both house-favorites and decadent specials (all items also available a la carte).
Some of the menu highlights include, but are not limited, to:
Appetizers
· Grand Trencher: selection of meats and cheeses ($15)
· Fluke Crudo: Maine uni, passion fruit, crispy black olives, radish
Entrees
· Braised Pork Belly Cassoulet: pork sausage, crispy duck, roasted pear ($34)
· Grilled Filet Mignon: seared scallops, baby turnips, beech mushroom, horseradish cream ($38)
· Wild Atlantic Salmon: roasted fennel, pinenut sauce ($29)
Dessert
· Affogato: espresso ice cream, anise cookie crumble, whipped cream, coco nibs ($7)
· Gianduja Cheesecake: chocolate-hazelnut cheesecake with shaved hazelnuts, raspberry sauce, meringue ($7)
7) For Valentine's Day, you could check out Coppa, where chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette will celebrate Valentine¹s Day with a 3-course menu for $55, with the option of an additional $35 for wine pairing and $15 for a cheese supplement (including the return of their Lady and the Tramp spaghetti and meatballs)
Highlights include but are not limited to:
1st Course
· Zucca Passata: Italian pumpkin hummus, pomegranate, salsa verde, cucumber
· Crudo of Scallop: N¹duja impasto, harissa, crispy quinoa
2nd Course
· ³Lady and the Tramp² Spaghetti e Polpette: Coppa spaghetti and meatballs
· Cappelletti con Pastinaca: Parsnip-filled pasta, bra duro, smoked hazelnut, rye
· Porchetta Spalla: Slow roasted pork shoulder, hay smoked carrot, sunflower seed puree
3rd Course
· Sundae: Olive oil cake, pistachio gelato, luxardo cherries
· Tiramisu: House-made espresso and Frangelico soaked ladyfingers, mascarpone and cocoa
8) Executive Chef Chris Coombs and Chef de Cuisine Adrienne Mosier introduce a new dish to delight the senses for guests of Deuxave. The latest menu addition is a Perigord Truffle Studded Roast Giannone Chicken ($99). All of Giannone’s chickens are organic and grown naturally and free range. At Deuxave, these qualities are enhanced with the addition of 10 grams of Black Perigord Truffles. The luxurious date night dish serves two and is presented tableside along with Robuchon potatoes, heirloom carrots, crispy mushrooms, Brussels sprouts leaves, red watercress and truffle honey juice.
WHEN: Available daily, for a limited time only
Sunday – Wednesday: 5pm-10pm; Thursday – Saturday: 5pm-11pm
To make a reservation, please call 617-517-5915
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Thursday Sips & Nibbles
I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting wine and food items that are upcoming.
**********************************************************
1) Restaurateurs in Portsmouth and the New Hampshire Seacoast are looking ahead to Spring and the latest edition of Restaurant Week Portsmouth and the Seacoast. Sponsored by the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, this Spring celebration will take place Thursday, April 3 – Saturday April 12, and will feature restaurants located in Portsmouth and throughout the Seacoast.
“Whether you’re a local resident or a traveler, you can find what you are looking for in Portsmouth and the Seacoast, said Valerie Rochon, Tourism Director for the Chamber. “Want to shop our independent stores or rich gallery scene before dinner? Take in dinner and a show? Stay the night in one of our charming hotels? Portsmouth and the Seacoast have it all. And, if you are new to the area, Restaurant Week is a great way to introduce yourself to this charming, culinary destination.”
Participating Restaurants, to date, include: Agave Mexican Bistro; Anneke Jans; BG's Boathouse; Blue Mermaid; British Beer Company; Café Nostimo; Carriage House; Cava Tapas & Wine Bar; Common Man; Dolphin Striker; Epoch at Exeter Inn; Galley Hatch; Grill 28 at Pease; Jumpin' Jays Fish Café; Library Restaurant; Martingale Wharf; Mombo Restaurant; Moxy; Orchard Street Chop Shop; Portsmouth Gas Light Co.; Radici Restaurant; Ristorante Massimo; River House; Rosa Restaurant; Rudi's Portsmouth; Harbor's Edge; Three Chimneys Inn; Vida Cantina; and Wellington Room.
2) This Valentine’s Day relive the past while making new memories at Hyatt Regency Cambridge’s renowned Spinnaker restaurant. On February 14, from 6:30PM to 9:30PM, the Hyatt is opening up the doors to the Charles View Ballroom, once the home of Spinnaker Italia, Boston’s only rotating restaurant, for a classic $70 prix fixe Valentine’s Day dinner as a nod to the romance and celebration that Spinnaker evoked.
Spend Valentine’s Day taking in the same vast and impressive views that once ushered in countless special events, engagements, birthdays and anniversaries while indulging in a variety of dining stations, operated by expert chefs. Containing a classically inspired raw bar and contemporary, New England-style dishes; including, oven roasted, garlic beef tenderloin; creamy Arborio rice with cabernet sauvignon, prosciutto and Romano Reggiano cheese; and white chocolate crème brûlée. The Spinnaker pop-up will also include signature Spinnaker cocktails as a toast to days not long forgotten.
Located on the sixteenth floor and known for its vast and impressive views of the Charles River and Boston skyline, the Spinnaker restaurant rose to fame when it opened in 1976. Evolving from a lounge to host a variety of cuisines, including northern Italian and regional inspired fare, the Spinnaker served the public for 28 years before closing its doors in 2004.While the original Spinnaker has lost all ability to in fact “spin” the renovated meeting room space, today known as the Charles View Ballroom, will transport you back in time as you walk the circumference taking in the sweeping views of today.
To make a reservation please call 617-492-1234
3) Chef & Owner Anthony Caturano is reprising his popular Gravy Sundays weekly culinary series at Prezza. Keeping in the longstanding Italian tradition of family and food, “Gravy Sundays” provides a menu of Old World-style comfort cuisine with a new special each week, served Sundays from 4pm-9pm.
Prezza’s “Gravy Sundays” menu has six homestyle options including: Gnocchi (San Marzano tomato, parmigiano - $14/$28); Meatballs (tomato, tagliatelle - $14/$28); Fried Clams (cherry peppers - $14); Linguine alle Vongole ($14/28); Veal Saltimbocca (spinach, roasted potatoes - $26); and, Chicken Parmigiano (tagliatelle, San Marzano tomato - $26).
Over the next six weeks. Chef Caturano will dish out an additional special to celebrate the return of the Prezza tradition:
February 9: Tagliatelle (pecorino cheese, black peppercorns - $14/$28)
February 16: Porchetta (roasted potatoes, braised kale - $28)
February 23: Eggplant Parmigiano ($14)
March 2: Roasted Veal Breast (stuffed with ricotta and broccoli rabe - $28)
March 9: Ricotta Gnocchi (sausage, broccoli rabe, Taleggio - $14/$28)
March 16: Pork Cheek Ravioli (aged balsamic - $14/$28)
4) On Monday, March 17, from 6:30pm-9:30pm, A Spoonful Of Ginger will offer guests the opportunity to taste the cuisine of 24 of Boston’s restaurants at the beautiful Art of the Americas Wing at the Museum of Fine Arts. Guests will enjoy an evening of gourmet dishes prepared by some of Boston’s most renowned chefs, including David Becker, Joanne Chang, Andy Husbands, Kevin Long, and Jasper White. I have been to this event numerous times and it is a great and tasty time.
Proceeds benefit Joslin Diabetes Center’s Asian American Diabetes Initiative (AADI), which strives to enhance the quality of life and health outcomes for the rising number of Asian Americans living with diabetes, as well as working with Joslin in their commitment to finding a cure. This year’s event will honor the Director and Founder of the AADI and Joslin Diabetes Center’s Director Research, Dr. George King, for his contributions to the AADI’s mission and his active role within the Asian American community.
COST: Tickets are $250 per guest
FOR TICKETS: Call 617-309-2512, e-mail Kevin.Hudson@joslin.harvard.edu or visit: www.joslin.org/ginger
1) Restaurateurs in Portsmouth and the New Hampshire Seacoast are looking ahead to Spring and the latest edition of Restaurant Week Portsmouth and the Seacoast. Sponsored by the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, this Spring celebration will take place Thursday, April 3 – Saturday April 12, and will feature restaurants located in Portsmouth and throughout the Seacoast.
“Whether you’re a local resident or a traveler, you can find what you are looking for in Portsmouth and the Seacoast, said Valerie Rochon, Tourism Director for the Chamber. “Want to shop our independent stores or rich gallery scene before dinner? Take in dinner and a show? Stay the night in one of our charming hotels? Portsmouth and the Seacoast have it all. And, if you are new to the area, Restaurant Week is a great way to introduce yourself to this charming, culinary destination.”
Participating Restaurants, to date, include: Agave Mexican Bistro; Anneke Jans; BG's Boathouse; Blue Mermaid; British Beer Company; Café Nostimo; Carriage House; Cava Tapas & Wine Bar; Common Man; Dolphin Striker; Epoch at Exeter Inn; Galley Hatch; Grill 28 at Pease; Jumpin' Jays Fish Café; Library Restaurant; Martingale Wharf; Mombo Restaurant; Moxy; Orchard Street Chop Shop; Portsmouth Gas Light Co.; Radici Restaurant; Ristorante Massimo; River House; Rosa Restaurant; Rudi's Portsmouth; Harbor's Edge; Three Chimneys Inn; Vida Cantina; and Wellington Room.
2) This Valentine’s Day relive the past while making new memories at Hyatt Regency Cambridge’s renowned Spinnaker restaurant. On February 14, from 6:30PM to 9:30PM, the Hyatt is opening up the doors to the Charles View Ballroom, once the home of Spinnaker Italia, Boston’s only rotating restaurant, for a classic $70 prix fixe Valentine’s Day dinner as a nod to the romance and celebration that Spinnaker evoked.
Spend Valentine’s Day taking in the same vast and impressive views that once ushered in countless special events, engagements, birthdays and anniversaries while indulging in a variety of dining stations, operated by expert chefs. Containing a classically inspired raw bar and contemporary, New England-style dishes; including, oven roasted, garlic beef tenderloin; creamy Arborio rice with cabernet sauvignon, prosciutto and Romano Reggiano cheese; and white chocolate crème brûlée. The Spinnaker pop-up will also include signature Spinnaker cocktails as a toast to days not long forgotten.
Located on the sixteenth floor and known for its vast and impressive views of the Charles River and Boston skyline, the Spinnaker restaurant rose to fame when it opened in 1976. Evolving from a lounge to host a variety of cuisines, including northern Italian and regional inspired fare, the Spinnaker served the public for 28 years before closing its doors in 2004.While the original Spinnaker has lost all ability to in fact “spin” the renovated meeting room space, today known as the Charles View Ballroom, will transport you back in time as you walk the circumference taking in the sweeping views of today.
To make a reservation please call 617-492-1234
3) Chef & Owner Anthony Caturano is reprising his popular Gravy Sundays weekly culinary series at Prezza. Keeping in the longstanding Italian tradition of family and food, “Gravy Sundays” provides a menu of Old World-style comfort cuisine with a new special each week, served Sundays from 4pm-9pm.
Prezza’s “Gravy Sundays” menu has six homestyle options including: Gnocchi (San Marzano tomato, parmigiano - $14/$28); Meatballs (tomato, tagliatelle - $14/$28); Fried Clams (cherry peppers - $14); Linguine alle Vongole ($14/28); Veal Saltimbocca (spinach, roasted potatoes - $26); and, Chicken Parmigiano (tagliatelle, San Marzano tomato - $26).
Over the next six weeks. Chef Caturano will dish out an additional special to celebrate the return of the Prezza tradition:
February 9: Tagliatelle (pecorino cheese, black peppercorns - $14/$28)
February 16: Porchetta (roasted potatoes, braised kale - $28)
February 23: Eggplant Parmigiano ($14)
March 2: Roasted Veal Breast (stuffed with ricotta and broccoli rabe - $28)
March 9: Ricotta Gnocchi (sausage, broccoli rabe, Taleggio - $14/$28)
March 16: Pork Cheek Ravioli (aged balsamic - $14/$28)
4) On Monday, March 17, from 6:30pm-9:30pm, A Spoonful Of Ginger will offer guests the opportunity to taste the cuisine of 24 of Boston’s restaurants at the beautiful Art of the Americas Wing at the Museum of Fine Arts. Guests will enjoy an evening of gourmet dishes prepared by some of Boston’s most renowned chefs, including David Becker, Joanne Chang, Andy Husbands, Kevin Long, and Jasper White. I have been to this event numerous times and it is a great and tasty time.
Proceeds benefit Joslin Diabetes Center’s Asian American Diabetes Initiative (AADI), which strives to enhance the quality of life and health outcomes for the rising number of Asian Americans living with diabetes, as well as working with Joslin in their commitment to finding a cure. This year’s event will honor the Director and Founder of the AADI and Joslin Diabetes Center’s Director Research, Dr. George King, for his contributions to the AADI’s mission and his active role within the Asian American community.
COST: Tickets are $250 per guest
FOR TICKETS: Call 617-309-2512, e-mail Kevin.Hudson@joslin.harvard.edu or visit: www.joslin.org/ginger
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Thursday Sips & Nibbles
I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting wine and food items that are upcoming.
**********************************************************
1) This year fall in love with not one night of Valentine’s Day celebrations, but four. The Beehive will indulge lovers with “Four Days of Lovin’” - a four-day long event featuring Valentine’s Day inspired dishes from Executive Chef Marc Orfaly, signature cocktail specials and live jazz performances from Thursday, February 13 through Sunday, February 16.
Chef Orfaly’s special cupid’s day dishes include Pressed Foie Gras, duck confit and artichoke terrine with vermouth soaked mustard seeds, toasted brioche and pickled sun chokes ($15), Seared Maine Scallops, black caviar, crème fraiche potato and celery root salad with mizuna greens ($16), 'Heart & Sole,’ broiled lemon sole with ragout of porcini, hearts of palm, fava beans and asparagus finished with mushroom jus ($28), and Australian Rack of Lamb, olive oil and whole grain mustard potatoes with sautéed spinach, and confit lamb shoulder ($38).
Lovers can shake things up with one of The Beehive’s Valentine’s Day concoctions like the Chocolate-Covered Cherry Martini made with vodka, Dorda Double Chocolate liquor and Cherry Herring ($12), the Willy Wonka made with Jim Beam, Dorda Double Chocolate liquor, Campari and fresh orange juice ($12.50), and finally The Heart Beat featuring Rose water topped with Domain Chandon Brut and garnished with a chocolate strawberry ($12.50).
Reservations are highly recommended so please call 617-423-0069.
Performance Schedule:
Thursday, February 13:
· Early Evening Jazz set with Doug Johnson: 6:30PM - 8:30PM
· Late night Jazz set with Greg Hopkins: 10:00PM - 2:00AM
Friday, February 14:
· Early Evening Jazz set with Kevin Harris: 5:00PM-7:00PM
· Mid-Evening Jazz set with Michelle Wilson: 7:30PM-9:30PM
· Late Night Jazz set with Mr. Nick: 10:00PM-2:00AM
Saturday, February 15:
· Saturday Jazz Brunch: 10:00AM to 3:00PM
· Early Evening Jazz set with Sharon Sugar Brown: 6:30PM-8:00PM
· Late Night Jazz set with Karma Exchange: 10:00PM-12:00AM
Sunday, February 16:
· Sunday Jazz Brunch: 10:00AM to 3:00PM
· Sunday Blues Jazz set with Bruce Bears 8:00PM-12:00AM
2) This Valentine’s Day wine, dine and seduce your significant other with a romantic rendezvous at Tryst, the award-winning boutique restaurant and lounge located in Arlington. Tryst’s quaint backdrop will set the perfect mood for an evening of Valentine’s Day surprises and romance while guests enjoy a special menu created by Executive Chef and Owner Paul Turano. Chef Turano’s Valentine’s Day three-course prix fixe menu will be offered exclusively on Friday, February 14 and as a la carte specials in addition to the regular menu on Saturday, February 15 & Sunday, February 16. Guests can relax, reminisce and indulge in Tryst’s specials including Duck & Kabocha Tart, Cioppino, Bucatini Carbonara and Beef Short Rib as well as sweet desserts such as Baked Apple Dumpling, Chocolate Brownie Bread Pudding and Italian Bignè.
COST: $45 per person (tax and gratuity not included). Optional $25 wine pairing.
Reservations are highly recommended. Please call 781-641-2227.
3) On Saturday, February 8, from 1pm-5pm, the Wine ConneXtion, located in North Andover, will team up with Ye Olde Pepper Companie, the oldest candy company in the United States, for a special Valentine’s Day tasting featuring a selection of Wine ConneXtion’s most popular Malbecs paired with Ye Olde’s signature chocolates.
Ye Olde Pepper Companies’ rich history dates back to 1806 when a woman named Mrs. Spencer landed on the shores of Salem, MA following a tragic shipwreck. To make a living, Mrs. Spencer began selling her candies on the steps of the First Church. Her signature confection, the “Salem Gibralter,” is said to be the first candy made and sold commercially, being distributed internationally by sea captains.
Guests will not want to miss an opportunity to sample a wide variety of Malbecs. Walk-ins welcome all day. Must be 21+.
4) Check out some of the new winter happening in Kendall Square at Belly Wine Bar.
Aglio e Olio – Late-night pasta party
$8.00 per person
Aglio e Olio is a Rome-inspired, family-style nightcap of spaghetti with garlic and oil (or aglio e olio for those from lo stivale) for the night owl set. Guests are welcomed to wind down, sip vino and slurp noodles every night from 10:00 PM until closing time because really, a heaping bowl of pasta is way better than a full night’s sleep.
Spare Parts – Ensuring nothing goes to waste
Plates served a la carte. Menu changes daily
Since his appointment as Executive Chef this fall, Andrew Bonner has brought some spirited spontaneity to the Belly menu, showcased through the ever-changing “Spare Parts” menu. Written on a chalk board in the dining room, the daily specials exemplify Executive Chef Andrew Bonner's passion for expanding guests’ palates and experimenting with seasonal New England flavors, as seen in dishes like Sweet and Spicy Duck Wings, Open Faced Grass Fed Beef Pastrami with Sauce Whatever and Oxtail Ravioli with Maitake Mushrooms & Carrots.
Three Blind Wines – Grape trivia for the taste buds
$20 per flight
Every Monday night
Belly puts wine geeks to the test every Monday with Three Blind Wines, a mystery flight game comprised of three unknown grapes. Guests are challenged by the Belly team to guess the names of all three sips; if successful, the following week’s flight is on the house!
Coravin Pours – No need for vintages to collect dust
Approximately $20 to $38 per 5 oz. pour
Available daily
As card carrying Kendall Square wine nerds, the Belly team sends serious props to Greg Lambrecht, the Boston-based entrepreneur who engineered the Coravin wine opener, a way to drink vino without removing the cork, hence avoiding oxidization and keeping bottles as fresh as the first pour right until the last drop. Madonna! Belly employs a Coravin of its own to serve experimental guests rare pours without sacrificing taste or quality. A library of grapes available via Coravin includes magnums of 2004 Chateau Pibernon Bandol, 1993 Breton Bourgueil “Les Perrieres” and more, all served tableside from Coravin to taste tube and ultimately into the eager sipper’s glass.
1) This year fall in love with not one night of Valentine’s Day celebrations, but four. The Beehive will indulge lovers with “Four Days of Lovin’” - a four-day long event featuring Valentine’s Day inspired dishes from Executive Chef Marc Orfaly, signature cocktail specials and live jazz performances from Thursday, February 13 through Sunday, February 16.
Chef Orfaly’s special cupid’s day dishes include Pressed Foie Gras, duck confit and artichoke terrine with vermouth soaked mustard seeds, toasted brioche and pickled sun chokes ($15), Seared Maine Scallops, black caviar, crème fraiche potato and celery root salad with mizuna greens ($16), 'Heart & Sole,’ broiled lemon sole with ragout of porcini, hearts of palm, fava beans and asparagus finished with mushroom jus ($28), and Australian Rack of Lamb, olive oil and whole grain mustard potatoes with sautéed spinach, and confit lamb shoulder ($38).
Lovers can shake things up with one of The Beehive’s Valentine’s Day concoctions like the Chocolate-Covered Cherry Martini made with vodka, Dorda Double Chocolate liquor and Cherry Herring ($12), the Willy Wonka made with Jim Beam, Dorda Double Chocolate liquor, Campari and fresh orange juice ($12.50), and finally The Heart Beat featuring Rose water topped with Domain Chandon Brut and garnished with a chocolate strawberry ($12.50).
Reservations are highly recommended so please call 617-423-0069.
Performance Schedule:
Thursday, February 13:
· Early Evening Jazz set with Doug Johnson: 6:30PM - 8:30PM
· Late night Jazz set with Greg Hopkins: 10:00PM - 2:00AM
Friday, February 14:
· Early Evening Jazz set with Kevin Harris: 5:00PM-7:00PM
· Mid-Evening Jazz set with Michelle Wilson: 7:30PM-9:30PM
· Late Night Jazz set with Mr. Nick: 10:00PM-2:00AM
Saturday, February 15:
· Saturday Jazz Brunch: 10:00AM to 3:00PM
· Early Evening Jazz set with Sharon Sugar Brown: 6:30PM-8:00PM
· Late Night Jazz set with Karma Exchange: 10:00PM-12:00AM
Sunday, February 16:
· Sunday Jazz Brunch: 10:00AM to 3:00PM
· Sunday Blues Jazz set with Bruce Bears 8:00PM-12:00AM
2) This Valentine’s Day wine, dine and seduce your significant other with a romantic rendezvous at Tryst, the award-winning boutique restaurant and lounge located in Arlington. Tryst’s quaint backdrop will set the perfect mood for an evening of Valentine’s Day surprises and romance while guests enjoy a special menu created by Executive Chef and Owner Paul Turano. Chef Turano’s Valentine’s Day three-course prix fixe menu will be offered exclusively on Friday, February 14 and as a la carte specials in addition to the regular menu on Saturday, February 15 & Sunday, February 16. Guests can relax, reminisce and indulge in Tryst’s specials including Duck & Kabocha Tart, Cioppino, Bucatini Carbonara and Beef Short Rib as well as sweet desserts such as Baked Apple Dumpling, Chocolate Brownie Bread Pudding and Italian Bignè.
COST: $45 per person (tax and gratuity not included). Optional $25 wine pairing.
Reservations are highly recommended. Please call 781-641-2227.
3) On Saturday, February 8, from 1pm-5pm, the Wine ConneXtion, located in North Andover, will team up with Ye Olde Pepper Companie, the oldest candy company in the United States, for a special Valentine’s Day tasting featuring a selection of Wine ConneXtion’s most popular Malbecs paired with Ye Olde’s signature chocolates.
Ye Olde Pepper Companies’ rich history dates back to 1806 when a woman named Mrs. Spencer landed on the shores of Salem, MA following a tragic shipwreck. To make a living, Mrs. Spencer began selling her candies on the steps of the First Church. Her signature confection, the “Salem Gibralter,” is said to be the first candy made and sold commercially, being distributed internationally by sea captains.
Guests will not want to miss an opportunity to sample a wide variety of Malbecs. Walk-ins welcome all day. Must be 21+.
4) Check out some of the new winter happening in Kendall Square at Belly Wine Bar.
Aglio e Olio – Late-night pasta party
$8.00 per person
Aglio e Olio is a Rome-inspired, family-style nightcap of spaghetti with garlic and oil (or aglio e olio for those from lo stivale) for the night owl set. Guests are welcomed to wind down, sip vino and slurp noodles every night from 10:00 PM until closing time because really, a heaping bowl of pasta is way better than a full night’s sleep.
Spare Parts – Ensuring nothing goes to waste
Plates served a la carte. Menu changes daily
Since his appointment as Executive Chef this fall, Andrew Bonner has brought some spirited spontaneity to the Belly menu, showcased through the ever-changing “Spare Parts” menu. Written on a chalk board in the dining room, the daily specials exemplify Executive Chef Andrew Bonner's passion for expanding guests’ palates and experimenting with seasonal New England flavors, as seen in dishes like Sweet and Spicy Duck Wings, Open Faced Grass Fed Beef Pastrami with Sauce Whatever and Oxtail Ravioli with Maitake Mushrooms & Carrots.
Three Blind Wines – Grape trivia for the taste buds
$20 per flight
Every Monday night
Belly puts wine geeks to the test every Monday with Three Blind Wines, a mystery flight game comprised of three unknown grapes. Guests are challenged by the Belly team to guess the names of all three sips; if successful, the following week’s flight is on the house!
Coravin Pours – No need for vintages to collect dust
Approximately $20 to $38 per 5 oz. pour
Available daily
As card carrying Kendall Square wine nerds, the Belly team sends serious props to Greg Lambrecht, the Boston-based entrepreneur who engineered the Coravin wine opener, a way to drink vino without removing the cork, hence avoiding oxidization and keeping bottles as fresh as the first pour right until the last drop. Madonna! Belly employs a Coravin of its own to serve experimental guests rare pours without sacrificing taste or quality. A library of grapes available via Coravin includes magnums of 2004 Chateau Pibernon Bandol, 1993 Breton Bourgueil “Les Perrieres” and more, all served tableside from Coravin to taste tube and ultimately into the eager sipper’s glass.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)