With Valentine's Day approaching, it is the time to start thinking about what sensuous drinks might go well with you and your Valentine. Here is one interesting option, the Love Potion # Pho.
Pho Republique, a French-Vietnamese restaurant in the South End, has created this intriguing cocktail. This cocktail ($10) will be available at the restaurant from February 1 – 29. Or, you can make it at home as they have generously provided the recipe.
Love Potion # Pho is made with 1 3/4 oz Stolichnaya Peachik (peach vodka), a dash of passion fruit syrup, and 3 oz of lemon/lime juice. Shake over ice and then pour into a martini glass. Rim the glass with grenadine dipped sugar and top with Sorelle Bronca Prosecco.
I always note that Pho Republique turns 10 this year!
Pho Republique
1415 Washington Street
Boston, MA
Phone: 617-262-0005
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
2008 Reader's Choice Award Voting
It is time once again to vote in the 2008 Reader's Choice Awards. This will be an insert in many of the local papers, including our own Stoneham Sun. There are over 70 categories in which you can vote. You don't have to vote in each category. You only have to vote for at least 10 categories. You can only vote once and the deadline is February 13.
What is important to me are the numerous restaurant and liquor store categories. Last year, some of the results surprised me and I did previously discuss my thoughts. What most surprised me were some of the omissions as well as a few of the places received that Best votes. I hope that my local readers vote and support local places.
The ballot only allows you to vote for a single choice in each category, which may be part of the reason for why some places were omitted. It might have been better if you could have voted for a few choices in each category.
Please Vote and help your local favorites.
What is important to me are the numerous restaurant and liquor store categories. Last year, some of the results surprised me and I did previously discuss my thoughts. What most surprised me were some of the omissions as well as a few of the places received that Best votes. I hope that my local readers vote and support local places.
The ballot only allows you to vote for a single choice in each category, which may be part of the reason for why some places were omitted. It might have been better if you could have voted for a few choices in each category.
Please Vote and help your local favorites.
Sake Reviews
Are you looking for some Saké recommendations? If so, here are the links to all of the Saké I have reviewed so far on my blog.
I have a set of collected reviews of Saké, including specific reviews of:
Hakushika Junmai Ginjo
Horin Gekkeikan Junmai Daiginjo
Trader Joe's Sake
Yuki No Bosha limited edition Junmai Ginjo
Hakkaisan Junmai Ginjo
Setsugetsubijin Junmai Ginjo
Fudo Myoo Junmai Ginjo
You can also find individual reviews of Saké, including some within restaurant reviews:
Otokoyama Yukishibare Namazake
Shutendouji Oh Oni Sake
Kamikokoro Toukagen Shiboritate
Mineno Hakubai
Gekkeikan Horin Ultra Premium Junmai Daiginjo
Kurosawa Junmai Kimoto
Tenranzan Kahori Junmai Ginjo
Mukune "Root of Innocence" Junmai Ginjo
Koshi No Tohusetuka "Flower In Winter Snow" Junmai Ginjo
If I had to recommend a single Saké, especially for someone who has never really drank any Saké, then I would have to choose the Hakushika Junmai Ginjo. First, it is relatively inexpensive at $8-9 for a 300ml bottle. Second, it seems available in many different places so should be easy to find. Third, it has a nice clean taste which should not offend anyone. It certainly is so drastically different from a pungent hot Saké. The Hakuskika will give you a good example of the potential of Saké.
Reminder: I also want to bring to your attention again that I am holding a Sake Review contest this month. You can win two books on Sake and all you have to do to enter the contest is drink and review a bottle of Sake. The deadline is January 31. Check out my prior post for all the details.
This is your chance to try a chilled Sake, to taste what is like. Why not take that chance? You might find find a new drink that you enjoy.
I have a set of collected reviews of Saké, including specific reviews of:
Hakushika Junmai Ginjo
Horin Gekkeikan Junmai Daiginjo
Trader Joe's Sake
Yuki No Bosha limited edition Junmai Ginjo
Hakkaisan Junmai Ginjo
Setsugetsubijin Junmai Ginjo
Fudo Myoo Junmai Ginjo
You can also find individual reviews of Saké, including some within restaurant reviews:
Otokoyama Yukishibare Namazake
Shutendouji Oh Oni Sake
Kamikokoro Toukagen Shiboritate
Mineno Hakubai
Gekkeikan Horin Ultra Premium Junmai Daiginjo
Kurosawa Junmai Kimoto
Tenranzan Kahori Junmai Ginjo
Mukune "Root of Innocence" Junmai Ginjo
Koshi No Tohusetuka "Flower In Winter Snow" Junmai Ginjo
If I had to recommend a single Saké, especially for someone who has never really drank any Saké, then I would have to choose the Hakushika Junmai Ginjo. First, it is relatively inexpensive at $8-9 for a 300ml bottle. Second, it seems available in many different places so should be easy to find. Third, it has a nice clean taste which should not offend anyone. It certainly is so drastically different from a pungent hot Saké. The Hakuskika will give you a good example of the potential of Saké.
Reminder: I also want to bring to your attention again that I am holding a Sake Review contest this month. You can win two books on Sake and all you have to do to enter the contest is drink and review a bottle of Sake. The deadline is January 31. Check out my prior post for all the details.
This is your chance to try a chilled Sake, to taste what is like. Why not take that chance? You might find find a new drink that you enjoy.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Beehive: Upcoming Big Events
Though I have yet to drop by The Beehive, I have been hearing lots of good stuff about it. It certainly seems one of the hottest new spots in Boston. I recently received some information about a couple of upcoming events at The Beehive and wanted to alert you to them. They certainly sound interesting and worth checking out.
The Beehive is an underground Bohemian bistro located below the Boston Center for the Art’s Cyclorama in the South End. They serve the eclectic fare of Chef Rebecca Newell: rustic comfort foods infused with American, European, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern influences. They serve dinner as well as weekend brunch.
First upcoming event: The Beehive’s Big Easy, 1st Annual Mardi Gras Celebration
This will be held on Fat Tuesday, February 5th, from 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM, and they have endeavored to make this event as authentic as possible. There will be the "groovin’ gumbo" sounds of the Nat Simpkins/Henri Smith Band. Henri Smith moved to the Boston area shortly after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina. A portion of proceeds from the evening’s event will go to the Tipitina's Foundation, a New Orleans based charity that provides support for displaced musicians to keep the Big Easy Swingin’.
There will be a Cajun inspired Ala Carte menu featuring items such as Oysters Rockefeller, Shrimp Etouffee Vol-Au-Vent, and Jambalaya. You can finish your meal with the Beehive’s Epiphany King Cake, including your very own miniature baby decoration attached. The bar will be serving special drinks including Beehive Hurricane’s, Spicy Oyster Shooters with vodka and Tabasco, and the Sazerac Cocktail made with Sazerac rye, Kübler Absinthe and Peychaud bitters. Kübler Superieure is a well-known brand of absinthe, distilled in the Val-de-Travers region of Switzerland, also known as the birthplace of absinthe.
Attendees will be lavished with plenty of beads necklaces, masks, and the traditional Mardi Gras doubloons coins for throwing. There is no cover charge for this event. Their regular menu will be served in addition to all special items.
Second upcoming event: Beehive’s First Annual Love Ball
This event will be held on February 14, from 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM. This will be "a night of lascivious fun for all you devilish lovers out there!" The Beehive will be playing matchmaker to you and yours with your love happy host and cruise director for the evening, Ryan Landry (star of the upcoming TV reality series Showgirls!)
Throughout the evening our luscious band of lovers will be distributing numbers and collecting anonymous Valentine’s to and from all of the prospective paramours and mysterious vamps in attendance! How it works: Love seekers will receive numbers upon entry allowing attendees to send anonymous messages to those they like, love, or lust! As the game unfolds, identities will be revealed, and matches will be made; building up to the glorious crescendo at midnight when the King and Queen of the First Annual Love Ball will be crowned!
The Love Ball Unlimited Orchestra will play on as that Mac Daddy of Soul, Ron Murphy presents the “between the sheets” music of the original love king himself, Barry White. You can also the “Fondue for Two” menu consisting of three courses of cheese fondue with fresh fruit and brioche, a special beef bourgogne fondue, and Chocolate Fondue made with 100% Belgian Callebaut Chocolates served with Oreo’s, graham cracker, almond biscotti miniature marshmallows and fresh strawberries. The Beehive’s Love Potions will put the spring back in your Aphro-dees-i-ack! These concoctions include several oyster laden "lovely's" and a very special tonic we call “Behind the Green Door” The Ingredients are secret, but we are legally obliged to inform you that they do include: Mumm Napa, Absinthe and fresh strawberries.
The Beehive
541 Tremont St.
Boston, MA
Phone: 617-423-0069
The Beehive is an underground Bohemian bistro located below the Boston Center for the Art’s Cyclorama in the South End. They serve the eclectic fare of Chef Rebecca Newell: rustic comfort foods infused with American, European, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern influences. They serve dinner as well as weekend brunch.
First upcoming event: The Beehive’s Big Easy, 1st Annual Mardi Gras Celebration
This will be held on Fat Tuesday, February 5th, from 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM, and they have endeavored to make this event as authentic as possible. There will be the "groovin’ gumbo" sounds of the Nat Simpkins/Henri Smith Band. Henri Smith moved to the Boston area shortly after being displaced by Hurricane Katrina. A portion of proceeds from the evening’s event will go to the Tipitina's Foundation, a New Orleans based charity that provides support for displaced musicians to keep the Big Easy Swingin’.
There will be a Cajun inspired Ala Carte menu featuring items such as Oysters Rockefeller, Shrimp Etouffee Vol-Au-Vent, and Jambalaya. You can finish your meal with the Beehive’s Epiphany King Cake, including your very own miniature baby decoration attached. The bar will be serving special drinks including Beehive Hurricane’s, Spicy Oyster Shooters with vodka and Tabasco, and the Sazerac Cocktail made with Sazerac rye, Kübler Absinthe and Peychaud bitters. Kübler Superieure is a well-known brand of absinthe, distilled in the Val-de-Travers region of Switzerland, also known as the birthplace of absinthe.
Attendees will be lavished with plenty of beads necklaces, masks, and the traditional Mardi Gras doubloons coins for throwing. There is no cover charge for this event. Their regular menu will be served in addition to all special items.
Second upcoming event: Beehive’s First Annual Love Ball
This event will be held on February 14, from 10:00 PM – 2:00 AM. This will be "a night of lascivious fun for all you devilish lovers out there!" The Beehive will be playing matchmaker to you and yours with your love happy host and cruise director for the evening, Ryan Landry (star of the upcoming TV reality series Showgirls!)
Throughout the evening our luscious band of lovers will be distributing numbers and collecting anonymous Valentine’s to and from all of the prospective paramours and mysterious vamps in attendance! How it works: Love seekers will receive numbers upon entry allowing attendees to send anonymous messages to those they like, love, or lust! As the game unfolds, identities will be revealed, and matches will be made; building up to the glorious crescendo at midnight when the King and Queen of the First Annual Love Ball will be crowned!
The Love Ball Unlimited Orchestra will play on as that Mac Daddy of Soul, Ron Murphy presents the “between the sheets” music of the original love king himself, Barry White. You can also the “Fondue for Two” menu consisting of three courses of cheese fondue with fresh fruit and brioche, a special beef bourgogne fondue, and Chocolate Fondue made with 100% Belgian Callebaut Chocolates served with Oreo’s, graham cracker, almond biscotti miniature marshmallows and fresh strawberries. The Beehive’s Love Potions will put the spring back in your Aphro-dees-i-ack! These concoctions include several oyster laden "lovely's" and a very special tonic we call “Behind the Green Door” The Ingredients are secret, but we are legally obliged to inform you that they do include: Mumm Napa, Absinthe and fresh strawberries.
The Beehive
541 Tremont St.
Boston, MA
Phone: 617-423-0069
Rendezvous: Consistency is The Key
One of the keys to an excellent restaurant, a restaurant that rises above the rest is consistency. Consistency means that each and every visit is as good as the last. The quality does not diminish or vary over time. It is a restaurant where your expectations are met on every visit. Such consistency is a sure sign of excellence, that the entire restaurant works with synergy, that each individual component does its function and that all of those individual parts work well together.
Rendezvous in Central Square, Cambridge, is a restaurant of consistency, a place that continues to provide excellent food and service on each and every visit. I have been there numerous times and have reviewed Rendezvous a few times. My most recent visit has greatly pleased me again.
I began with the Ceviche of Scallop and Shrimp ($12), a new dish on their menu. Usually, I see ceviche served in a cocktail glass or similar glass, but this was just served on a flat plate. The presentation was nice though with the combination of seafood, chile oil, and fruits. The seafood tasted very good, with a spiciness that tingled my tongue. The little slices of what seemed like blood orange were sweet and delicious.
Next, I had the Boston lettuce salad with apples, cheddar cheese, spiced pecans and a cider vinaigrette ($10). This was quite a large salad with a big hunk of lettuce and plenty of the other ingredients. A great mix of flavors and for the price this is an excellent value.
As an entree, I just had another appetizer, the Potato gnocchi with braised oxtail, chantenay carrots and horseradish ($13). Their pasta dishes are usually very good and this was no different. Pillowy gnocchi with tender oxtail pieces in an interesting gravy. As an appetizer, this is still a decent-sized dish.
My her entree, my wife had the Gascon style duck 3 ways, which included grilled breast, confit leg and garlic sausage ($26). A large plate of so much tender and flavorful duck. The sausage was quite big and an interesting sweet taste to it. The breast and confit were meaty, with some crispy skin, and just melted in my mouth. It came atop a bunch of root veggies. This was an exceptional dish and I would strongly recommend it.
Rendezvous has an interesting wine list, usually including some very different wines. Their prices are generally reasonable and there are plenty of choices under $35. I wanted a lighter wine for the evening, maybe a Pinot Noir. But I was intrigued by the 2005 Ascheri "do ut des" Verduno Pelaverga, which our server stated was a light red wine. So I decided to take a chance on it.
The 2005 Ascheri "do ut des" Verduno Pelaverga ($36) is from the Verduno Pelaverga DOC in the Piedmont region. It is made from the Pelaverga varietal, a rare though ancient Italian grape. There are actually two different grapes, the Pelaverga Piccolo and the Pelaverga Nero. There are only around 9 hectares of Pelaverga vineyards, almost all in the small town of Verduno. I had never tried this grape before so I was intrigued.
This wine only had an alcohol content of 12.5%, a relatively lower alcohol wine compared to many others. The wine was very light red in color, lighter even than most Pinot Noir. Its nose seemed light at first, just a hint of berry. On the palate, this wine initially had a tartness to it that was a bit displeasing. But, as the wine sat for a time, and once we began to eat, the tartness largely vanished and we enjoyed the wine far more. So, I would suggest letting this wine breathe a bit first, as well as drinking it with food.
With our dinner, the wine displayed more red berry flavors with touches of black pepper and licorice. Though it also had its own unique taste, more of an interesting blend of sweet and sour. This was a light wine though clearly not a Pinot Noir. I did enjoy this wine and would try other Pelaverga wines. If you want something different, give this a try.
Service was excellent. Overall, this was another fine experience at Rendezvous. Great food, good quantities, reasonable prices. If you are in Central Square, this is the restaurant to seek out.
Rendezvous
502 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA
Phone: 617-576-1900
Rendezvous in Central Square, Cambridge, is a restaurant of consistency, a place that continues to provide excellent food and service on each and every visit. I have been there numerous times and have reviewed Rendezvous a few times. My most recent visit has greatly pleased me again.
I began with the Ceviche of Scallop and Shrimp ($12), a new dish on their menu. Usually, I see ceviche served in a cocktail glass or similar glass, but this was just served on a flat plate. The presentation was nice though with the combination of seafood, chile oil, and fruits. The seafood tasted very good, with a spiciness that tingled my tongue. The little slices of what seemed like blood orange were sweet and delicious.
Next, I had the Boston lettuce salad with apples, cheddar cheese, spiced pecans and a cider vinaigrette ($10). This was quite a large salad with a big hunk of lettuce and plenty of the other ingredients. A great mix of flavors and for the price this is an excellent value.
As an entree, I just had another appetizer, the Potato gnocchi with braised oxtail, chantenay carrots and horseradish ($13). Their pasta dishes are usually very good and this was no different. Pillowy gnocchi with tender oxtail pieces in an interesting gravy. As an appetizer, this is still a decent-sized dish.
My her entree, my wife had the Gascon style duck 3 ways, which included grilled breast, confit leg and garlic sausage ($26). A large plate of so much tender and flavorful duck. The sausage was quite big and an interesting sweet taste to it. The breast and confit were meaty, with some crispy skin, and just melted in my mouth. It came atop a bunch of root veggies. This was an exceptional dish and I would strongly recommend it.
Rendezvous has an interesting wine list, usually including some very different wines. Their prices are generally reasonable and there are plenty of choices under $35. I wanted a lighter wine for the evening, maybe a Pinot Noir. But I was intrigued by the 2005 Ascheri "do ut des" Verduno Pelaverga, which our server stated was a light red wine. So I decided to take a chance on it.
The 2005 Ascheri "do ut des" Verduno Pelaverga ($36) is from the Verduno Pelaverga DOC in the Piedmont region. It is made from the Pelaverga varietal, a rare though ancient Italian grape. There are actually two different grapes, the Pelaverga Piccolo and the Pelaverga Nero. There are only around 9 hectares of Pelaverga vineyards, almost all in the small town of Verduno. I had never tried this grape before so I was intrigued.
This wine only had an alcohol content of 12.5%, a relatively lower alcohol wine compared to many others. The wine was very light red in color, lighter even than most Pinot Noir. Its nose seemed light at first, just a hint of berry. On the palate, this wine initially had a tartness to it that was a bit displeasing. But, as the wine sat for a time, and once we began to eat, the tartness largely vanished and we enjoyed the wine far more. So, I would suggest letting this wine breathe a bit first, as well as drinking it with food.
With our dinner, the wine displayed more red berry flavors with touches of black pepper and licorice. Though it also had its own unique taste, more of an interesting blend of sweet and sour. This was a light wine though clearly not a Pinot Noir. I did enjoy this wine and would try other Pelaverga wines. If you want something different, give this a try.
Service was excellent. Overall, this was another fine experience at Rendezvous. Great food, good quantities, reasonable prices. If you are in Central Square, this is the restaurant to seek out.
Rendezvous
502 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA
Phone: 617-576-1900
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