I'm back again with a new edition of Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food and drink events. For this edition, I'll be mentioning some spots for St. Patrick's Day celebrations. I hope everyone dines out safely, tips well and are nice to their servers.
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1) Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse is highlighting two themed cocktails for St. Patrick’s Day. The Pot o Gold served in a collins glass is mixed with Tullamore D.E.W, Domaine de Canton, lemon juice, honey, ginger beer and garnished with a clover-shaped pineapple. The Irish Flower served in a green sugar rimmed rocks glass is made with muddled cucumber, Tellemore D.E.W, St. Germain, lemon juice and simple. Both cocktails are $15 each and available at all Massachusetts locations through the Irish inspired holiday on March 17th.
2) Forcella Boston, an Italian restaurant in the heart of Boston’s North End, has created a festive green cocktail for the Irish holiday. Sip on a rum-based tiki cocktail called “The Maxwell.” Created and named after bartender and manager Max Tripp, the cocktail is made with Don Q Rum, Blue Curacao, Midori, Lemon, Lime and Soda Water. The lime green festive drink costs $17 and is available through St. Patrick’s Day.
3) Spend St. Patrick’s Day at Victory Point, in the heart of Quincy’s Marina Bay. It's featuring Irish-inspired cocktails and food for the holiday. Four specialty cocktails are on the menu from March 15th through the 17th. Sip on a refreshing Leprechaun Prosecco mixed with Midori. A traditional Jameson’s Whiskey Sour made with lemon and egg whites is also available. Coffee lovers can order an Irish Iced Coffee with Jameson and Bailey’s. Lastly, a Shamrock Shaker comes with Frangelico, Amaretto, Bailey’s, vodka and peppermint. All cocktails are $12 each. Enjoy Corned Beef & Cabbage with a glass of Guinness to complete your meal. The special is available only on Sunday, March 17th for $22.
4) Enjoy a weekend of St. Patrick’s Day festivities at City Tap House. From March 15-17, City Tap will be festively decorated with the green-laced Hero95 beers ($8 for 14oz; $11 for 20oz) flowing alongside green Jell-O shots ($5), an Irish espresso martini ($13) and the Irish whiskey mule ($13). For some twists on traditional Irish fare, there is homemade corned beef hash benedict with two poached eggs on English muffins with hollandaise sauce and home fries ($18) and fish and chips, beer-battered local haddock with housemade tartar sauce, hand-cut fries and cole slaw ($19). For those looking to do an early stepdance or Irish jig, DJ J-Wall also will be in the house Saturday from 11am through 3pm.
5) From March 14-17, Joe’s on Newbury will be bringing a taste of Eire to the Back Bay. The four days of St. Patrick’s festivities will kick off with live Irish music by Brother Seamus on Thursday from 4-7pm. The bar will be shaking up two specialty cocktails, the Luck of the Irish with Maker’s Mark, St.-Germain, simple syrup and lemon juice with cucumber and mint garnishes ($15) and Pot of Gold with Jameson, peach schnapps, orange juice, ginger ale and green food coloring with a gold flake garnish ($16). Entrees include two traditional plates: Guinness beef stew with tender beef, root vegetables and tomato stout broth served in Joe’s famous bread bowl ($18) as well as corned beef and cabbage, a traditional boiled dinner with carrots and potatoes ($27). For dessert there is the Grasshopper Ice Cream Pie, mint chocolate chip ice cream packed into an Oreo cookie crust topped with whipped cream ($13).
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Monday, March 4, 2024
Rant: We Need More Spirit-Paired Dinners!
The BBQ & Bourbon dinner, which was held in the last week of February, was first advertised in December and quickly sold out. There's obvious interest in such dinners, so why don't we see more of them? A Tavola will likely hold more such dinners, but what about other restaurants? I love wine-paired dinners, but enjoy spirit-paired dinners as well.
Spirit-paired dinners may be more challenging for chefs, but it's a challenge that any talented chef can meet. You can pair food courses with straight spirits or with cocktails. The diverse creativity of cocktails can make food pairings easier. Some spirits lend themselves easier to particular cuisines, like Whiskey and BBQ, or Rum and Caribbean/Latin cuisines. You are only limited by your own creativity.
Obviously, you have to consider the higher alcohol content of spirits, but that's not a real impediment, just a matter to ponder when creating pairings. Plus, as everyone will be eating, that helps to sop up the extra alcohol.
Diners are often seeking something different, wanting a special dining experience. A spirits-paired dinner is more unique and can appeal to diners seeking a special experience. They may have wine with dinner at home, but far fewer will have spirits with their home dinners. They might have a cocktail before dinner, but usually won't drink spirits or a cocktail with their dinner. A spirits-paired dinner opens their mind to new possibilities. And it's also just fun.
We Need More Spirit-Paired Dinners! What do my readers think?
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Thursday Sips & Nibbles
I'm back again with a new edition of Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food and drink events. For this edition, I'll be mentioning some spots for Valentine's Day celebrations. I hope everyone dines out safely, tips well and are nice to their servers.
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1) XOXO Sushi Bar soon will bring a modern American-Japanese experience to Chestnut Hill. Slated to open March 8, the contemporary restaurant and bar will feature omakase-style presentations, à la carte sushi masterpieces, robatayaki specialties and inventive cocktails in a lively izakaya setting.
Executive chef Kegan Stritchko (Uni, Fat Baby Sushi) brings more than a decade of experience in the fine dining industry from restaurants across the country. At XOXO Sushi Bar, Stritchko has invented a menu that melds unique layers of flavors and texture with aesthetically stunning presentations. Stritchko will dish out handrolls, izakaya-style plates, aphrodisiacs, and composed sashimi creations.
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1) XOXO Sushi Bar soon will bring a modern American-Japanese experience to Chestnut Hill. Slated to open March 8, the contemporary restaurant and bar will feature omakase-style presentations, à la carte sushi masterpieces, robatayaki specialties and inventive cocktails in a lively izakaya setting.
Executive chef Kegan Stritchko (Uni, Fat Baby Sushi) brings more than a decade of experience in the fine dining industry from restaurants across the country. At XOXO Sushi Bar, Stritchko has invented a menu that melds unique layers of flavors and texture with aesthetically stunning presentations. Stritchko will dish out handrolls, izakaya-style plates, aphrodisiacs, and composed sashimi creations.
Highlights from Stritchko’s menu include Ora King salmon sashimi with a Thai herb puree and fermented gooseberry salsa; an indulgent A5 wagyu tartare embellished with caviar, black truffle and black garlic; and a spicy tuna temaki handroll comprised of bluefin tuna, aji amarillo, charred pineapple and jicama. In true omakase (“I leave it up to you”) fashion, Chef Stritchko will offer two “chef’s choice” options with a traditional 16-course omakase experience featuring in-house dry-aged fish and a sashimi moriawase where Stritchko assembles a platter of seasonal sea treasures.
On the liquid side, general manager Ashif Nirola (Douzo) oversees a curated beverage program that mixes classic techniques with whimsical flair. In addition to showcasing an extensive collection of sakes and Japanese whiskies suited for any palette ranging from novices to connoisseurs of rarities, the cocktails are rooted in the classics with reimagined bold takes as seen in the Smoked Honeycomb with Toki whisky, tamarind and honeycomb; the Ginza Spritz with Empress gin, ume plum, yuzu and cava; Matcha Julep with Toki whisky, mint, honey, lavender and matcha; and Hot Date with Alto reposado, Cointreau, dates, habanero, lime and lavender.
XOXO Sushi Bar is located at 1154 Boylston Street in Brookline’s Chestnut Hill neighborhood just a block from The Street at Chestnut Hill. XOXO Sushi Bar will be open for dinner service nightly from 5-10pm with a late-night menu of handrolls and hot bites offered through 11pm Sunday through Tuesday and midnight Wednesday to Saturday.
2) On March 16, from 10am-2pm, the Easter Bunny will host a magical morning at the Coach Grill in Wayland. While kiddies patiently await the arrival of the cuddly rabbit with activities like coloring, a jellybean counting contest and other special treats, settle in for a leisurely brunch with the signature menu enhanced with standout specials like a Maine lobster omelet ($36), Quiche Lorraine ($19) and the Lavender French 75 ($16). For the kids, there’s Easter Bunny mac and cheese ($9) and confetti pancakes ($11). During the little ones’ meet-and-greet with the Bunny, a professional photographer will be on-hand to capture the memorable moment before the mini guests depart with a bunny gift bag. Reservations are recommended via OpenTable.
On the liquid side, general manager Ashif Nirola (Douzo) oversees a curated beverage program that mixes classic techniques with whimsical flair. In addition to showcasing an extensive collection of sakes and Japanese whiskies suited for any palette ranging from novices to connoisseurs of rarities, the cocktails are rooted in the classics with reimagined bold takes as seen in the Smoked Honeycomb with Toki whisky, tamarind and honeycomb; the Ginza Spritz with Empress gin, ume plum, yuzu and cava; Matcha Julep with Toki whisky, mint, honey, lavender and matcha; and Hot Date with Alto reposado, Cointreau, dates, habanero, lime and lavender.
XOXO Sushi Bar is located at 1154 Boylston Street in Brookline’s Chestnut Hill neighborhood just a block from The Street at Chestnut Hill. XOXO Sushi Bar will be open for dinner service nightly from 5-10pm with a late-night menu of handrolls and hot bites offered through 11pm Sunday through Tuesday and midnight Wednesday to Saturday.
2) On March 16, from 10am-2pm, the Easter Bunny will host a magical morning at the Coach Grill in Wayland. While kiddies patiently await the arrival of the cuddly rabbit with activities like coloring, a jellybean counting contest and other special treats, settle in for a leisurely brunch with the signature menu enhanced with standout specials like a Maine lobster omelet ($36), Quiche Lorraine ($19) and the Lavender French 75 ($16). For the kids, there’s Easter Bunny mac and cheese ($9) and confetti pancakes ($11). During the little ones’ meet-and-greet with the Bunny, a professional photographer will be on-hand to capture the memorable moment before the mini guests depart with a bunny gift bag. Reservations are recommended via OpenTable.
Monday, February 26, 2024
Non-Rant: Embrace The Passion
I've been away for the last several days, indulging one of my passions, and had such a fun time that it's not appropriate to begin this week with a Rant. Instead, let me ask my readers to Embrace Their Passion.
What is passion? The word supposedly derives from an ancient Greek term "paskho" which basically means "to suffer," and some modern dictionaries provide that as an obselete definition. That meaning has changed over time, and now a popular definition is that it is an intense interest in a person, place, object, activity, cause, etc. To me, passion also helps give meaning to life, elevating mere existence to a higher purpose. Without any passion in our lives, we might as well be automatons, simply going through the motions without experiencing positive and fulfilling emotion.
I have a passion for food and drink, and suspect my readers may have a similar passion, or you probably would not be reading me. Continue to embrace those passions, to let food and drink bring joy to your lives. If you possess other passions, as I do, embrace those as well. It's not important the nature of your passion, as long as you possess a passion for something. Feel free to have multiple passions, as people are certainly capable of possessing more than a single passion. As an example, besides food and drink, I also have a passion for books, being a voracious and eclectic reader.
It's those people who have not embraced their passion though who need to listen the most. They might work too many hours, feeling too exhausted to embrace any passion. But their lives may be monotonous and boring, the same drudgery day in and day out. They exist but they do not really live, not in a fuller sense. They need to find some time for their passion, to bring some light into their dreary existence. You probably know people like that and I encourage you to help them find and embrace their passion.
Embracing your passion can take many forms. You don't have to write about them as I do. key is simply bringing joy to your life with the object of your passion. That should be easy for anyone to do. Just find what brings you joy and allow it into your life.
Embrace the passion.
What is passion? The word supposedly derives from an ancient Greek term "paskho" which basically means "to suffer," and some modern dictionaries provide that as an obselete definition. That meaning has changed over time, and now a popular definition is that it is an intense interest in a person, place, object, activity, cause, etc. To me, passion also helps give meaning to life, elevating mere existence to a higher purpose. Without any passion in our lives, we might as well be automatons, simply going through the motions without experiencing positive and fulfilling emotion.
I have a passion for food and drink, and suspect my readers may have a similar passion, or you probably would not be reading me. Continue to embrace those passions, to let food and drink bring joy to your lives. If you possess other passions, as I do, embrace those as well. It's not important the nature of your passion, as long as you possess a passion for something. Feel free to have multiple passions, as people are certainly capable of possessing more than a single passion. As an example, besides food and drink, I also have a passion for books, being a voracious and eclectic reader.
It's those people who have not embraced their passion though who need to listen the most. They might work too many hours, feeling too exhausted to embrace any passion. But their lives may be monotonous and boring, the same drudgery day in and day out. They exist but they do not really live, not in a fuller sense. They need to find some time for their passion, to bring some light into their dreary existence. You probably know people like that and I encourage you to help them find and embrace their passion.
Embracing your passion can take many forms. You don't have to write about them as I do. key is simply bringing joy to your life with the object of your passion. That should be easy for anyone to do. Just find what brings you joy and allow it into your life.
Embrace the passion.
Thursday, February 22, 2024
Thursday Sips & Nibbles
I'm back again with a new edition of Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food and drink events. For this edition, I'll be mentioning some spots for Valentine's Day celebrations. I hope everyone dines out safely, tips well and are nice to their servers.
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1) It's Leap Year this year, with 29 days in February. On February 29, from 2:29pm-5:29pm, Atlantic Fish Co. & Joe’s Waterfront are offering an Oyster Special, 29 oysters for $29, only $1 per oyster. Gather your bivalve buddies and get ready to slurp and sup local East Coast oysters on repeat ‘til there’s nothing left but meatless mollusks and memories. Although one hungry person could consumer all 29 oysters by themself.
2) The Dubliner, an Irish restaurant and pub, is located across the street from Boston City Hall. In the weeks before Saint Patrick’s Day, The Dubliner will host a series of events highlighting the culinary revolution underway in Ireland—along with authentic top Irish bands and comedy.
Chef Aidan Mc Gee, born in County Donegal where his chef father raised hill mountain lamb, remains front and center in that dynamic, new gastronomic movement. Mc Gee worked at numerous Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK. When he relocated to Boston in the midst of the pandemic, he vowed to give his adopted city a true taste of the “new” Irish kitchen.
On Friday, March 8, The Dubliner will host a dinner by Jp MacMahon, chef/owner of the acclaimed Aniar restaurant in Galway, Ireland, recipient of one Michelin star for the past ten years. Details of the menu have yet to be finalized; reservations will be available to the public on OpenTable.
In the week leading up to Saint Patrick’s Day, The Dubliner will be featuring live Irish music nightly in the Pub and lounge. On Friday, March 15th, The Dubliner will hold its third annual Irish Networking Breakfast, with curated tastings of authentic Irish ingredients and spirits and a selection of live Irish music and dance. Admission will be by ticket only—bookable on OpenTable.
On Saint Patrick’s Sunday, March 17, The Dubliner will begin the festivities as soon as the doors open. In addition to live music, a special celebratory menu will be served all day.
3) On February 28, at 6:30pm, Abe & Louie’s will welcome Napa Valley vineyard, Stag’s Leap Winery, to the Back Bay for a night of food and pairings. Co-hosted by Head Winemaker, Marcus Notaro, the evening will pair three-plus-courses with standouts from Stag’s Leap. The winery – which earned global recognition when crowned the red wine victor at the famous 1976 “Judgment of Paris” blind-tasting – was established in 1970.
Notaro will team up with Abe & Louie’s executive chef, Mark Mariano, in presenting a curated menu designed for the cuisine and wine to balance. During the reception, the 2022 Aveta sauvignon blanc will be complemented by the chef’s selection of passed hors d'oeuvres. The first course is George’s Bank scallop crudo with Amur Kaluga caviar, toasted pistachio, shaved celery and Meyer lemon paired with a 2022 Karia chardonnay. Moving to the entrée, oenophiles will sip two standouts from the winery – the 2020 Fay and 2022 Artemis cabernet sauvignons – while indulging in a Westholme wagyu Denver steak with Anson Mills crispy polenta and black truffle bordelaise. For dessert, there’s a chocolate cake pot de crème with whipped Chantilly cream served alongside the 2017 Antinori Vin Santo.
COST: $225 per person (does not include tax or gratuity)
RESERVE: Reservations required in advance via Tock. This event is reserved for ages 21+ with proper ID.
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1) It's Leap Year this year, with 29 days in February. On February 29, from 2:29pm-5:29pm, Atlantic Fish Co. & Joe’s Waterfront are offering an Oyster Special, 29 oysters for $29, only $1 per oyster. Gather your bivalve buddies and get ready to slurp and sup local East Coast oysters on repeat ‘til there’s nothing left but meatless mollusks and memories. Although one hungry person could consumer all 29 oysters by themself.
2) The Dubliner, an Irish restaurant and pub, is located across the street from Boston City Hall. In the weeks before Saint Patrick’s Day, The Dubliner will host a series of events highlighting the culinary revolution underway in Ireland—along with authentic top Irish bands and comedy.
Chef Aidan Mc Gee, born in County Donegal where his chef father raised hill mountain lamb, remains front and center in that dynamic, new gastronomic movement. Mc Gee worked at numerous Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK. When he relocated to Boston in the midst of the pandemic, he vowed to give his adopted city a true taste of the “new” Irish kitchen.
On Friday, March 8, The Dubliner will host a dinner by Jp MacMahon, chef/owner of the acclaimed Aniar restaurant in Galway, Ireland, recipient of one Michelin star for the past ten years. Details of the menu have yet to be finalized; reservations will be available to the public on OpenTable.
In the week leading up to Saint Patrick’s Day, The Dubliner will be featuring live Irish music nightly in the Pub and lounge. On Friday, March 15th, The Dubliner will hold its third annual Irish Networking Breakfast, with curated tastings of authentic Irish ingredients and spirits and a selection of live Irish music and dance. Admission will be by ticket only—bookable on OpenTable.
On Saint Patrick’s Sunday, March 17, The Dubliner will begin the festivities as soon as the doors open. In addition to live music, a special celebratory menu will be served all day.
3) On February 28, at 6:30pm, Abe & Louie’s will welcome Napa Valley vineyard, Stag’s Leap Winery, to the Back Bay for a night of food and pairings. Co-hosted by Head Winemaker, Marcus Notaro, the evening will pair three-plus-courses with standouts from Stag’s Leap. The winery – which earned global recognition when crowned the red wine victor at the famous 1976 “Judgment of Paris” blind-tasting – was established in 1970.
Notaro will team up with Abe & Louie’s executive chef, Mark Mariano, in presenting a curated menu designed for the cuisine and wine to balance. During the reception, the 2022 Aveta sauvignon blanc will be complemented by the chef’s selection of passed hors d'oeuvres. The first course is George’s Bank scallop crudo with Amur Kaluga caviar, toasted pistachio, shaved celery and Meyer lemon paired with a 2022 Karia chardonnay. Moving to the entrée, oenophiles will sip two standouts from the winery – the 2020 Fay and 2022 Artemis cabernet sauvignons – while indulging in a Westholme wagyu Denver steak with Anson Mills crispy polenta and black truffle bordelaise. For dessert, there’s a chocolate cake pot de crème with whipped Chantilly cream served alongside the 2017 Antinori Vin Santo.
COST: $225 per person (does not include tax or gratuity)
RESERVE: Reservations required in advance via Tock. This event is reserved for ages 21+ with proper ID.
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