Bin 26 Enoteca

As I recently mentioned, Bin 26 Enoteca has been on my short list of restaurants to try, so when I spent some time on Charles Street over the weekend I had to stop by for lunch.

Bin 26 Enoteca has a seasonally driven menu and an extensive wine list with over sixty wines by glass. The menu is designed for snacking and sharing, or a full meal. The restaurant is owned by the brother and sister team of Chef Azita Bina-Seibel and Babak Bina, who also owned the acclaimed restaurant Lala Rokh. The restaurant has an interesting look, a hip and modern look emphasizing a wine decor. It is a casual and comfortable place, looking out onto Charles Street.

They have an extensive and interesting wine list, with many different wines from all over the world. They do not sell wines by the glass in a traditional way. Instead, wine is sold in 100ml, 250ml, or 500ml potions. A normal 5 ounce glass of wine is 150ml. So, you can get less than a usual glass, more of a tasting size. Or you can get a larger glass, about eight ounces, in the 250ml measure. If you just don't want an entire bottle, then get the 500ml size. This might get confusing for some people who are not used to such measurements. I like the 250ml size, especially if I am going to get a single glass with a meal. We had a couple glasses of Rose, a Swiss Gamay and a French Provence Grenache/Syrah blend(about $13/$14 for 250ml). Both were very good though I preferred the French Rose. It had a nice strawberry taste without being sweet.

The lunch menu had appetizers, salads and entrees, a smaller selection than what is available for dinner. We decided to split several dishes between the three of us. There was Salmon atop a salad with a warm bacon vinaigrette, Goat Cheese three ways, Prosuitto, garlic and tomato confites, and Linguini with a Beef Bologonese. Prior to our food arriving, we received a basket of fresh bread, two different types, with a plate of olive oil. The olive oil was plain and very good, though it might have been more interesting with some spices in it.

The Salmon, a good-sized piece, was delicious with an interesting bacon flavor. The salmon was very fresh as were the salad greens. In fact, all of our dishes seemed to have very fresh ingredients. The Prosciutto was very good as were the three different goat cheeses. The goat cheeses were very creamy and flavorful, especially smeared atop the slices of bread. The Linguini seemed to be homemade and was cooked just perfectly. And the Bolognese sauce was absolutely delicious with plenty of meat. I almost could have licked that plate clean.

Service was excellent. The servers were attentive, personable and accomodating. Overall, the restaurant made a good first impression on me. The flavors and freshness of their ingredients were quite appealing. I will definitely return here again, especially to try their more extensive dinner menu. It is well worth a visit.

Bin 26 Enoteca
26 Charles Street (Beacon Hill)
Boston, MA
Phone: 617-723-5939

Lunch at Bin 26 Enoteca

Bin 26 Enoteca is one of those places that is on my short list of restaurants to check out. Though I have not been there yet, I have heard many positive recommendations for it.

Bin 26 Enoteca has recently introduced two new lunch options, both quick and affordable. They have begun their Grab-n-Go Takeout Menu and Dine-In Express Lunch Service. Each week, there will be a new selection of market fresh pastas, salads, sandwiches, charcuterie and cheeses to choose from. Individual items will be available Grab-n-Go style for $8 or you can dine-in and enjoy an assortment of lunch items for $14.

Sample Lunch Items include:

• Wild Boar Salami and Pecorino
• Tortellini Pesto Salad
• Tea Poached Salmon Over Spring Greens
• Panini-Style Cold Sandwiches
• Antipasti Mixed Grilled Vegetables and Cheese

These lunches are available Monday through Thursday from 12:00-3:00 p.m.

Bin 26 Enoteca
26 Charles Street (Beacon Hill)
Boston, MA
Phone: 617-723-5939

Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I briefly highlight some interesting wine and food items that I have encountered recently.
**********************************************************
1)  Joslin Diabetes Center’s High Hopes Gala and World Diabetes Day Celebration promotes awareness and raises funds for diabetes clinical care programs and ground-breaking research initiatives at Joslin Diabetes Center. This fabulous black-tie event, established in 1999, benefits Joslin Diabetes Center’s High Hopes Fund, which supports the Center’s greatest needs in research, education and clinical care. The High Hopes Gala 2011 will honor Carol Meyrowitz, CEO of the TJX Companies, Inc.

The evening will include a lively cocktail reception, exciting silent and live auction, a raffle for a brand new 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet donated by Herb Chambers, and performances by 2011 Gala Musical Artist Crystal Bowersox, a national recording artist and American Idol runner-up.

An astounding 285 million people worldwide have diabetes and that number is growing at alarming proportions. Joslin is working toward a cure, and a future without diabetes

WHEN: Saturday, November 19, from 6pm-Midnight
WHERE: The Westin Copley Place, 10 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA
For information on the High Hopes Gala or to purchase tickets:
Email: highhopes@joslin.harvard.edu
Phone: 617-309-2531

2)  Nightlife impresarios Ace Gershfield and Salvatore Boscarino (6one7 Productions), alongside longtime friend and Red Sox front office executive Kellen Benjamin, are gearing up to celebrate their birthdays again in a fete fit for kings proving that good things come in “threes.” At the third annual “Casino Royale” event on October 15th, revelers will join the guests of honor at Boston’s State Room, thirty-three floors above street level, while overlooking Boston’s picturesque skyline in the perfect setting to capture the decadence of Sin City. “Casino Royale” will provide an exclusive performance-with-a-cause with proceeds to benefit The Home for Little Wanderers’ newest initiative, The Third Century Campaign, a $23 million dollar fundraising effort to provide a vastly improved therapeutic living and learning environment for some of the most vulnerable children in its care.

6one7 Productions has lined up a star-studded black-tie gala for the third consecutive year. Having donated over $30,000 to The Home for Little Wanders after last year’s event, 6one7 Productions will step it up another level this year by incorporating their latest business venture, Urban Legend Events, into the creation and execution of the soiree, alongside sponsors Urban Legend Events, Stoli Vodka and William Grant & Sons, have summonsed the essence and flavor of Sin City in a night-with-a-cause promising to line the Roulette-and-Blackjack-tabled affair with entertainment, a glitzy auction and unrivaled company.

Revelers will begin their jetsetter experience at 8pm where they will receive their gaming chips while enjoying complimentary hors d’oeuvres and themed libations. As the Vegas-style entertainment begins, supporters will be able to peruse the silent auction items and live gaming tables and also partake in a live auction boasting unparalleled experiences not to be recreated. The top three chip leaders will be rewarded with a multitude of prizes including signed sports memorabilia, tickets to sporting events, spa packages at Mizu and a Status Ride luxury car rental, to name a few.

To gain VIP access to this black-tie star-studded bazaar, guests are kindly asked to make a $150 donation to The Home for Little Wanderers. Tickets to the event include gaming chips, a four-hour premium open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres and a dessert bar. RSVPs and table reservations may be made by visiting: http://casinoroyale3.eventbrite.com/.

3)  Beginning mid-October, Bin 26 Enoteca celebrates its 5th anniversary with a selection of $5 small plates and wine pours (plus a craft beer option). Designed to let the wine take center stage, Bin 26’s anniversary menu features a range of glasses alongside simple, Mediterranean-influenced dishes.

Small Plates
Saffron Risotto Balls
Bruschetta with Charred Scallion & Hazelnut Pesto
Bruscheta with Whipped Ricotta, Peppers Agrodolce & Pancetta
Zucchini Carpaccio
Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Marinated Olives

Wine & Beer
Ca' Furlan Cuvee Beatrice Prosecco, Veneto, Italy NV
Procanico/Grechetto/Malvasia, Bin 26 Enoteca Solare Bianco, Umbria, Italy, 2009
Savignon Blanc, Fournier, Vin de Pays de Loire, France, 2009
Sangiovese/Merlot, Bin 26 Enoteca Solare Rosso, Umbria, Italy, 2009
Tempranillo, Altanza Domino de Heredia, Rioja DOCa, Spain, 2008
Reading Premium Lager

COST: $5 each for drinks and small plates.
WHEN: For 26 days, from October 17-November 11
Monday-Thursday, 12:00 PM-10:00 PM
Friday, 12:00 PM-11:00 PM
Saturday, 11:00 AM-11:00 PM
Sunday, 11:00AM-11:00 PM

4)  Those craving late night eats can now visit 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar located in Salem. Starting Thursday, September 29, and continuing indefinitely, 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar will be launching their new Late Night Bar Menu available only in the lounge every Thursday – Saturday from 10pm-11pm. Chef Tony Bettencourt will be offering a series of his small plates for only $4 each. The special late night menu will always be evolving letting guests try many standard favorites as well as small plate items that are only available during this time slot. Some items available are as follows:

Arancini Arborio rice fritters with mozzarella, tomato confit & basil Normally: $7
Chickpea Fritters Deep fried chickpea fritters & date compote Normally: $7
Mushrooms Pickled trumpet royale mushrooms, sea salt & extra virgin olive oil Normally: $7
Polpette Beef, pork & ricotta meatballs, pomodoro & soft polenta Normally: $9
Crudo Yellow fin tuna with citrus zest, wild fennel pollen, sea salt & extra virgin olive oil Normally: $11 -
Zucchini Blossoms Crisp-fried, stuffed with crab & ricotta with preserved lemon Normally: $12
Pork Belly Confit pork belly, spicy red cabbage salad with thai chile pepper and cilantro Normally: $9
Crostini Whole milk ricotta, black mission figs & chestnut honey Normally: $ 8
Baccala Potato and house-made salt cod fritters with lemon-caper aioli Normally: $7

Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my semi-regular column where I briefly mention some interesting wine and food items that I have encountered recently.
**********************************************************

1) Oye's Restaurant in Reading opened this past Monday. Kevin, one of the owners of Sato II in Stoneham wanted to open his own place and has now done so. It is a fairly large restaurant, nicely decodated with a large and well stocked bar. The menu bears some similarities to that at Sato, though it is more expansive, including items like a raw bar. You'll find plenty of Chinese and Japanese cuisine, as well as a few Thai and Korean dishes. They even have a gluten free menu.

I stopped by for lunch the other day and had a nice meal. I began with some good sushi, from unagi to sweet potato tempura maki, and it seemed fresh. Sushi prices are average. I then ordered one of their lunch special, Combo #2 ($8.50), which came with pork fried rice, four chicken fingers, a beef teriyaki skewer, and some boneless spare ribs. I then chose chicken wings as my extra appetizer. The food was good, better than the average Chinese restaurant.

The restaurant is promising, and I look forward to returning to try more of their menu.



2) I was excited to learn about the first annual Boston Wine Week, which is reminiscent of Restaurant Week but in the realm of wine. Numerous restaurant will participate, from September 20-26, by offering at least six different wines at a substantial discount. All of the wines (some of which retail up to $90/bottle) will be offered at $9/glass and $32/bottle. And based on the samples, there does appear to be some excellent bargains.

A sampling of wine highlights include:
--2006 J Hoffstatter Gewurtztraminer (Alto Adige, Italy)
Served at BiNA osteria; normally $75/bottle
--2007 Sottimano Langhe Nebbiolo (Langhe, Piedmont, Italy)
Served at Bin 26 enoteca; normally $54/bottle
--2007 Broglia ‘La Meirana’ Gavi di Gavi (Gavi, Piedmont, Italy)
Served at Lala Rokh; normally $44/bottle
--2001 Castellani, Soave Classico (Veneto, Italy)
Served at Jer-Ne; normally $84/bottle

Participating restaurants include: Bin 26 enoteca, Lala Rokh, 75 Chestnut, Clink at The Liberty Hotel, The Hungry i, Beacon Hill Bistro, Woodward at The Ames Hotel, BiNA osteria, Jer-Ne, Locke-Ober, The Beehive, Petit Robert Bistro South End, and Brasserie JO.

In addition, during Boston Wine Week, you will have the opportunity to attend a couple special events. Guest pourer Tyler Balliet of The Second Glass will offer featured wines at BiNA osteria from 6pm–7pm on September 20 (complimentary pizzettas included). Richard Elia of the Quarterly Review of Wines will also be on hand at Bin 26 enoteca on September 21 from 6pm-7pm to serve featured wines alongside paired cheeses.

Additional restaurants and more details about which wines will be served will be posted on the Boston Wine Week website so keep checking it. I will be taking advantage of this special wine week, and maybe I will see you there.

Bin 26 Enoteca: Now Serving Brunch

As I am a big fan of Bin 26 Enoteca, I was very intrigued to learn that they will now be serving brunch. The menu is not yet listed on their website but I did receive an email about some of the available choices such as:

Baked Frittata of Cotechine-style Sausage, Grana Padana, and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Roasted Red Tomatoes served with Grilled Sourdough Bread ($12)
Pouched Eggs over Duck Confit Hash with Hollandaise ($13)
Pumpkin Crepe with Honey Caramel Sauce and Sweet Mascarpone Cheese ($11).

Try their fresh pressed, from the orchard Orange, Pear, and Apple Juices ($4.75). Or maybe you would prefer a Bellini ($9) over a House-made Pastry ($3), or a Sake Bloody Mary ($7) with a savory Bruschetta of Prosciutto, Gorgonzola, and Roasted Apples ($11).

Brunch is served every Sunday from 10am - 2:30pm and will be served on Saturdays too, beginning Saturday, November 8th.

I will be sure to check out their brunch soon and will report back.

Bin 26 Enoteca
26 Charles Street
Boston, MA
Phone: 617-723-5939

Bin 26 Enoteca: A Dazzling Dinner

Sometimes when I visit a restaurant, it impresses me so much that I dine there again soon after my initial visit. I want to try more of their dishes, to maybe compare lunch and dinner, to determine whether it is consistent or not. I sometimes just can't wait.

Last weekend, I had lunch at Bin 26 Enoteca and it was an excellent experience. So I was anxious to try dinner there, to sample from their more extensive evening menu. In the end, dinner was even a better experience than lunch, and I still consider lunch to have been excellent.

We were early for our reservation but that was not a problem and we were seated right away. I first took some time to more fully peruse their extensive wine list. The list is more user friendly than many similar lists. The list actually contains some maps of wine regions, a glossary of wine terminology and an index of the wines. I think this does help to lessen the intimidation factor of a substantial wine list.

I chose to get a bottle of the 2006 Grosjean Freres Pinot Noir ($48) from the Valle D'Aosta region of Italy. This was a more international style wine, young and ready to drink. It had a light red color and an aromatic nose of lush berries. It was a very smooth wine with excellent fruit and a touch of spice. It could easily be drank on its own or with food. It was a pleasant wine and did pair well with most of our dinner.

The dinner menu is divided into numerous appetizers, cheeses, charcuteries, salads, soups and entrees. There is plenty of diversity and many of the dishes sounded very appealing. Though there is an Italian dimension to all of the dishes, little of it is of the traditional, or usual, Italian dishes. You won't find Veal Parmigiana or Chicken Cacciatore. But you will find entrees like Smoked Silver Salmon Farfalle with a Vodka Cream Sauce and Pork Tenderloin wrapped in Speck with an Apple Cherry Sauce. There were even a couple of special entrees that evening.

We began our meal with the Saffron Rissotto Balls Stuffed with Fontina ($8), basically a type of arancini. The dish consists of two Rissotto balls, larger than golfballs, atop some fresh greens. The Rissotto balls were lightly breaded and had been fried to just the perfect exterior crispness. The rice within was also cooked just right, surrounding the creamy, melted fontina. An excellent blend of flavors and textures, making a very good start to our dinner.

Next up was a Mixed Salad with Crispy Parmesan ($9) and Smoked Duck Carpaccio ($8). The salad was very fresh and had a large Parmesan crisp on the side. A simple dish but executed perfectly. The Duck Carpaccio was a new addition to their menu and was made on the premises. The dish consisted of about six, thin and rectangular pieces of smoked duck. Each piece had a thin strip of fat above the meat. The duck had a very nice smoky flavor and was also incredibly tender, almost melting in my mouth. I would very much recommend this dish.

For our entrees, we had Scallops in a Curry Sauce ($24) and one of the specials, a Braised Shoulder of Wild Boar ($27). There were three large scallops that were cooked perfectly, very tender and flavorful. The curry sauce was mild rather than spicy, but also very flavorful. The dish also came with a number of tiny clams of some sort, again tender and delicious. The Wild Boar was amazing! You receive a large chunk of slow braised meat in a port wine sauce atop creamy polenta and with fresh haricort vert. Though I received a special knife for the boar, it was unneccesary. The meat was so tender than the fork alone was sufficient to break it apart. It was juicy, flavorful and so very tender. No bone, no fat, just all meat. The polenta was also quite good, with a very creamy texture.

Though fairly full from everything so far, we just had to try their desserts. First there was the Chocolate Berry Stack ($9), a decadently rich chocolate cake with a fresh berry mixture above it. Definitely a choice for chocolate lover's. We also had a new addition, a Goat Cheese Cake ($9). This consisted of a thin layer of cake topped by a goat cheese mixture, topped by a port sauce. An intriguing dish that certainly tasted of goat cheese and actually made for a very good dessert. To accompany the desserts, we had coffee (also excellent) and a glass of Amontillado (a fine Sherry).

All of the food was delicious, obviously very fresh, and cooked just right. I could not have asked any more from any of the dishes we had. I think the food is reasonably priced for the quantity and quality you receive.

Service was excellent. Our main server, Ethan, was attentive, knowledgeable and very personable. He also seemed very genuine. For example, he told me that he wanted to have some of the wild boar later that night after his shift. He really seemed as if he meant that, giving me an impression of someone who truly loved good food. All of the other staff that interacted with us were equally as good.

Overall, this was a top-notch evening with not the slightest of complaints. The food, wine and service all came together in perfect unity. I heartily recommend that you check out this restaurant, for either lunch or dinner. I think it would work well for a couple seeking a more intimate meal, as well as a group seeking a fun time.

I think I now need to check out Lala Rokh, their Persian restaurant which is also on Beacon Hill.

Bin 26 Enoteca
26 Charles Street (Beacon Hill)
Boston, MA
Phone: 617-723-5939

Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I briefly highlight some interesting wine and food items that I have encountered recently.
**********************************************************
1) Executive Chef Mario Capone of Towne Stove and Spirits serves up some specials this Valentine’s Day, from 5pm-10pm.  To start off your romantic night, there is an Arugula & Hearts of Palm Salad ($16), complete with warm King Crab and blood orange vinaigrette. For the main course, try the Seared Ahi Tuna ($34), accompanied by gingered sweet potato, steamed bok choy and tart Yuzu. To end the evening on a sweet note, indulge in a Chocolate Milkshake ($16) for-two, with homemade marshmallows and linzer cookies.  For Reservations, please call: 617-247-0400.

2) Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Da Vinci Ristorante on Monday, February 14th, with a romantically themed 4-course Valentine’s Day menu using Champagne accents in each course. The 4-course Valentine’s Day menu will cost $59 and includes:

Antipasti
Arugula Salad (Baby arugula, blood orange, fennel and Champagne vinegar; finished with shaved ricotta)
or
Mozzarella Fritto (Fried mozzarella with plum tomato putanesca sauce)
Primi
Hard Shell lobster Raviolo (Served with crappie fish Champagne sauce)
or
Gnocchi Con Funghi (Homemade potato gnocchi served with funghi trifolati; finished with white truffle oil and bufala mozzarella)
Secondi
Salmon (Pan seared with English peas cake and sautéed spinach; finished with Champagne sauce)
or
Grilled Baby Veal (Served with Italian couscous risotto and sautéed asparagus; finished with creamy peppercorn sauce)
or
Grilled Duck Breast (Purple potatoes mush and broccolini; finished with dark chocolate sauce)
Dolci
Mixed Platter (Champagne Chocolate Gelato; Fried Raviolo stuffed with Nutella; Spice chocolate shot)

For those celebrating early, the Saturday evening before Valentine’s Day (February 12th) Chef Peppino will offer his regular menu in addition to the following selection of Champagne specials:
--Arugula Salad $12 (Baby arugula, blood orange, fennel and Champagne vinegar; finished with shaved ricotta)
--Salmon $29 (Pan seared with English peas cake and sautéed spinach; finished with Champagne sauce)
--Mixed Dessert Platter $16 (Champagne Chocolate Gelato; Fried Raviolo stuffed with Nutella; Spice chocolate shot)

To toast your loved one on this special evening, sip on Chocolate Kiss Martini, a blend of Godiva dark chocolate liquor, Grey Goose vodka, Kahlua, Bailey’s, fresh strawberry puree, served with a decadent chocolate covered strawberry ($12); or the Peach Champagne Punch, a bubbly mixture of peaches, Champagne, 7UP, Grenadine, served with fresh raspberries, blueberries and an orange slice ($12).

3) For Valentine's Day, The Beehive in the South End will present “4 Days of Luv’n!,” a fest of Valentine’s Day inspired brunches & dinners accompanied by romantic live music and menu specials including: Roasted Scallop Nicoise Salad, Oysters-3-Ways, Spanish Paella for Two, and Porterhouse Steak with Truffle Butter just to name a few. Reservations are highly recommended, and can be made by calling 617-423-0069.

Performance Schedule:
Friday, February 11:
· Romantic Early Dinner Jazz Set with Sharon Sugar Jones: 6:30PM - 8:30PM
· Valentine's Day 4 Days of Luv'n featuring Melvin Sparks: 10:00PM - 2:00AM
Saturday, February 12:
· Saturday Jazz Romance Brunch with Rajdulari: 10:30AM - 3:00PM
· Romantic Early Jazz Set with Patrice Williamson 6:30PM - 8:30PM
· Valentine's Day 4 Days of Luv'n featuring Marsha Lubin with Akashic Record: 10:00PM - 2:00AM
Sunday, February 13:
· Sunday Jazz Romance Brunch with Michelle Willson: 10:30AM - 3:00PM
· Valentine's Day 4 Days of Luv'n featuring Toni Lynn Washington: 8:00PM - 12:00AM
Monday, February 14:
· Romantic Early Jazz Set with Cece Kim: 6:30PM - 8:30PM
· Valentine's Day 4 Days of Luv'n: Heat up after a cool dinner Jazz set with a very special Valentine’s Day featuring Panayota: 9:00PM - 12:00AM.

4) The restaurants BiNA osteria, Bin 26 enoteca, and Lala Rokh will have special menus for Valentine's Day on Monday, February 14.
BiNA osteria
Four-Course Prix Fixe Menu, $85/person

Antipasto
Choice of:
Lobster Insalata (cauliflower sformato, bina pancetta and citronette)
Carne Crudo (organic chopped beef with pecorino zabaglione, quail egg and fricco)
PrimiChoice of:
Cappellaci (braised capon ravioli, organic egg, fried sage and parmigiano fonduta)
Tagliatelle (cockles, spicy cuttlefish and saffron cream)
Secondi
Choice of:
Steamed Scottish Halibut (crispy artichoke insalata, sautéed spinach and salsa rossa)
Porcini Dusted Sirloin (wilted winter greens, brown butter roasted potatoes and red wine marrow sauce)
Dolce
Chocolate Souffle for Two (raspberry sauce, malted vanilla gelato and crystallized mint)

Bin 26 enoteca
Three-Course Prix Fixe Menu, $60/person ($90 with wine pairings). A la carte selection also available.
Appetizer
Choice of:
Filet of Beef Tartar (truffle paste and mushrooms)
Pepper Crusted Tuna, Eggplant and Fennel Salad
Roasted Red and Golden Beet Salad (julienne of endive, balsamic vinaigrette)
Entree
Choice of:
Risotto (duck, parmigiano and strawberries)
Cacciucco (Ligurian fish stew with cod, shrimp, mussels and tomato)
Filet of Beef (crusted green peppercorn and cream, truffled mashed potatoes)
Dessert
Fresh Berries with crème fraiche

Lala Rokh
Four-Course Prix Fixe Menu, $55/person. A la carte selection also available.

Appetizer
Choice of:
Meygo (grilled shrimp with lemon and butter sauce)
Borani-e Kado (roasted zucchini and tomato with garlic, topped with homemade yogurt)
Borani-e Gharch (medley of mushrooms with garlic over grilled corn bread, drizzled with yogurt)
Soup or Salad
Choice of:
Salad-e Makhlute (fresh baby mixed greens, tomato, cucumber and onion with garlic vinaigrette)
Soup-e Labu (pureed soup of beets topped with sour cream)
Entree
Choice of:
Abgusht (whole lamb shank braised with okra, string beans, chick peas and eggplant)
Ordak (grilled duck breast sliced and served with current reduction sauce and basmati rice)
Mahi-e rooz (broiled red sea bass filled with fresh herbs and fruit, with bulgur wheat and grilled vegetables)
Dessert
Valentine’s Day Delight (a special Persian sweet)

5) February is romance month at The Back Bay Hotel in Boston. This year, Stanhope Grille will be dishing out a specially-created customizable three-course prix fixe over three nights to commemorate St. Valentine. Looking to stay the night? The Back Bay Hotel also will offer the “Valentine’s Dinner Package,” including superior overnight accommodations and dinner for-two at Stanhope Grille.

Stanhope Grille’s Valentine’s Day menu includes the following selections:

Amuse Bouche
-choice of-
Crab Cakes, Fennel apple slaw, star anise sauce
Mushroom Strudel, Truffle oil, shaved pecorino
Boston Bibb Salad, Beet chips, champagne vinaigrette
Entrees
-choice of-
Short Ribs, Braised red cabbage, pomme puree, cider glaze
Sea Bass, Fennel Fontina bread pudding, baby vegetables, golden beet sauce
Statler Chicken, Spice rub chicken, black quinoa, honey citrus pan jus
Sweets
Panettone Bread Pudding, Crème anglaise, maple walnut gelato
Sorbet Trio, Crispy almond cookies

The three-course prix fixe menu is available from 5:30pm – 10:00pm on Friday, February 11th, Saturday, February 12th and Monday, February 14th.  For reservations, please call 617-532-3827.
Cost: Three-course prix fixe: $75 per person; $90 per person w/ wine pairings.  Valentine’s Dinner Package (includes overnight accommodations and dinner for-two): from $299 per night (excluding taxes & gratuities)

Bina Alimentaria

In these difficult economic times, who would start a new business, especially a high-end restaurant? Azita Bina-Seibel and her brother, Babak Bina, are the successful owners of Lala Rokh and Bin 26 Enoteca (Bin 26 being of one my favorite restaurants). They have taken a big risk by recently opening a new, high-end restaurant, BiNA Osteria, as well as a food shop, BiNA Alimentari, in the Theater District. This is a gamble that I think is going to pay off for them.

Though I have not tried their restaurant yet, I have read some very positive reviews and will try to stop by there soon. But I recently stopped by their Alimentari for a sandwich. The Alimentari is a European-style shop offering specialty European goods, house-made breads and pastries, gelati, pastas, cured meats, cheeses, fresh produce, prepared meals, and a selection of artisanal wines and beers from all over the world. They have an interesting selection of gourmet items, sure to appeal to cooks looking for something different. Their wines also appear less common, not the brands you see everywhere else, and they are worth looking over.

They have an excellent selection of cheese from all over the world. Prices seem comparable to other similar gourmet cheese shops. Below, you can see the case for their cured meats and prepared foods, a good variety of items. Everything looked very fresh and appetizing.

They sell a number of sandwiches which you can buy to go or to eat there. The menu appears to change regularly, depending on what is fresh or in season. Sandwiches generally range from $7-$11 and are usually served on a toasted baguette with arugula, cracked pepper and olive oil. They are prepared fresh when you order. Sandwiches vary from items such as Pork Confit to Veggie, and from Proscuitto & Mozzarella to Chicken Salad. There are also prepared foods that you can order to eat, including mini-calzones and pasta dishes.

The shop is open seven days a week, Monday-Friday from 8am-9pm, Saturday from 10am-8pm and Sunday from 10am-6pm. Thus you can stop by for lunch or dinner on any day you wish.

Above, below the large windows, you can see the counter where you can sit and eat while you are there. The windows look out onto Washington Street so you can people watch while you eat. A nice place to relax and have a sandwich. There are not a lot of stools though, so if it gets crowded, you might not find a seat.

I began with a mini-calzone ($2.50) which contained pork bolognese and parmesan cheese. The type of calzone varies each day, dependent on what the cook decides to make. The calzone had a nice crunchy exterior and the inside was a dry, spicy mix of meat and sauce. I was expecting a bit moister of an interior, though it was tasty.

I then chose the Veal Buffalo Meatball sandwich ($11). This is essentially meat from a baby buffalo, which I had never had before, and it certainly resembled veal to me. The meatballs were crushed atop the bread with a very light sauce. The bread was warm and fresh, a good choice for the sandwich. There was plenty of meat inside the sandwich, and it was tender, flavorful and even a bit sweet. It certainly was not what I imagined it might be, but it was a very pleasant surprise. It was quite delicious and I highly recommend it. I could easily picture all the myriad ways you could prepare a plate of veal buffalo cutlets.

Service was excellent and all of the staff made sure that all my needs were met. I will be returning here again and it is a shop that is well worth checking out. Go for lunch or dinner, buy a sandwich and watch the people on Washington Street. And while your sandwich is being prepared, check out the rest of the items for sale.

Bina Alimentari
571 Washington St.

Boston, MA

Phone: 617-357-0888

Sips & Nibbles: New Year's Edition

I am back again with a new special Friday edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I briefly highlight some interesting wine and food items that I have encountered recently. Today, I will be highlighting some New Year's-related activities.

**********************************************************
1) Here are some of venues that are celebrating New Year’s Eve this year:

Aura at the Seaport Hotel
One Seaport Lane, Boston
Phone: 617-385-4300

8:00pm seating: 4-course prix fixe ($95 per person; $130 per person with wine pairings)
Featuring a menu designed by Executive Chef Rachel Klein, Aura will celebrate New Year’s Eve with a four-course customizable prix fixe featuring the following: Asian Pear Salad; Lobster Bisque; Duet of Oysters; Thai Seafood Bouillabaisse; Pan Roasted George’s Bank Scallop; Scottish Salmon; Steak & Eggs; Braised Short Rib; Rack of Lamb; Trio of Dessert; Vanilla Crème Brulee; and, Flourless Chocolate Cake. Whether or not you opt to accompany the prix fixe experience with selected wine pairings, Aura will also be serving up a complimentary glass of champagne to guests at midnight. Aura will also feature their traditional menu on New Year’s Eve.

BOKX 109 American Prime at Hotel Indigo
399 Grove Street, Newton
Phone: 617-454-3399

5:00pm – 8:00pm: 4-course prix fixe ($65 per person)
9:30pm seating: 5-course prix fixe ($110 per person; includes champagne toast)
BOKX 109 American Prime will be serving up two prix fixe menus to ring in 2011. For early seatings, BOKX 109 will feature four courses until 8pm. At 9:30pm, BOKX 109’s “A Toast to 2011” five-course dinner will begin. BOKX 109’s premiere culinary event will accompanied by live entertainment by world-famous saxophone player Michael “Tunes” Antune, party favors, and a midnight toast of Veuve Clicquot.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
217 Stuart Street, Boston
Phone: 617-292-0808

5:00pm – 11:00pm (December 30th through January 1st)
In addition to serving their signature a la carte menu, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar will offer three exclusive specials available on December 30th, December 31st and January 1st. Fleming’s three-night extended New Year’s celebration specials include the following: Filet Mignon & Crab-Stuffed Shrimp (Filet mignon with Madeira sauce, two giant black tiger shrimp stuffed with crab and topped with crisp bacon, lemon garlic butter sauce, served with a butter poached Portobello mushroom - $79.95); North Atlantic Lobster Tail (Colossal one-pound lobster tail with lemon vanilla butter, served with lobster mac & cheese - $59.95); and, New York Strip & Giant Shrimp (Petite New York prime steak wrapped in bacon, two giant black tiger shrimp broiled in the shell with chimichurri herb pesto - $69.95). Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar will also be toasting with Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label available for $25 per glass.

Stanhope Grille at The Back Bay Hotel
350 Stuart Street, Boston
Phone: 617-532-3827

5:30pm – 8:30pm: 3-course prix fixe ($55 per person; includes glass of champagne)
8:30pm – close: 5-course prix fixe ($95 per person; includes two glasses of champagne)
This New Year’s Eve, The Back Bay Hotel’s Stanhope Grille will dish out two exclusive customizable prix fixe menus for revelers of “First Night” in Boston. Offering a three-course menu beginning at 5:30pm, Stanhope Grille allows you to toast the end of 2010 early before exploring the city’s legendary festivities. At 8:30pm, Stanhope Grille will begin offering their main event: a specially prepared five-course tasting menu, complete with matching flutes of bubbly. Selections from the menus include: Lobster Bisque; Pear and Beet Salad; Crispy “Cannelloni”; Maine Lobster; Signature Grass Fed Beef Rib Eye; Spice Dusted Free Range Chicken; Crème Brulee; Trio Sorbet with Almond Cookie.

Strega Waterfront at Fan Pier
One Marina Park Drive, Boston
http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1088424507

7:00pm - 2:00am: New Year’s Eve Party ($279 per person; 21+)
Strega Waterfront owner, Nick Varano and special guest “The Big Shamroq” Shaquille O’Neal, will host Strega Waterfront’s New Year’s Eve “Party on the Harbor.” The extravaganza will take place on the13th floor of Fan Pier, setting the stage for spectacular views of the city skyline and Boston Harbor fireworks at midnight. With dancing and performances by Maxine Nightingale, The Deney Terrio Dance Party and legendary DJ JJ Wright, the admission price includes the following: complimentary valet parking, dinner featuring Strega’s classic Italian cuisine, an endless champagne bar, and a continental breakfast when the clock strikes twelve.

2) And some more New Year's options:

Eastern Standard

528 Commonwealth Ave., Kenmore Square, Boston
Phone: (617) 532-9100
This New Year's Eve, celebrate with the regular menu, along with specials on shellfish and bubbly at your time, on your budget. Choose from a la carte crustaceans and seafood (oysters, clams, Maine lobster, shrimp, King crab legs, sea scallop ceviche and tuna tartare) or leave it up to the staff with a $60 “Shellfish Platter for the Next Decade.” ES also grants your Champagne wishes with a range of by-the-glass options ($8-$17) and deals on its extensive bottle selection (think: French bottles from $75 and Italian sparklers starting at $35).

Bin 26 enoteca
26 Charles Street, Beacon Hill, Boston
Phone: (617) 723-5939
The four-course prix fixe menu at Bin 26 ($55/person with $30 optional wine pairings) offers a blend of nibbles paired with by-the-glass wines from the signature “Wine Bible.” Italian-influenced dishes like Locally Foraged Mushroom Bruschetta and Cocoa Tagliatelle with Porcini Ragout are sophisticated enough to stand on their own, but are the perfect complement to an array of vino (Maison Ambrose Cremant and Domaine Monperitus Grenache, to name a few). Diners may choose from 6pm, 8pm and 9pm seatings.

Grafton Street Pub & Grill
1230 Massachusetts Ave, Harvard Square, Cambridge
Phone: (617) 497-0400
Grafton offers a three-course prix fixe from Chef Scott Robertson ($48/person) between 5 – 10 PM. Feast on Chef Robertson’s NYE menu, which includes Lemon Molasses Grilled Quail with Oyster & Duck Sausage Stuffing and Blueberry Honey; Grilled Lamb Sirloin with Honey Lemon and Mint Carrots and Curried Onion Rings; and Warm Chocolate Gran Marnier Cake; then party until 2 AM with DJ Keith Foley, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. If you dine at Grafton Street, admission to the party is free (as is the parking).  For those just looking to party, cover is $20/person. Tickets available through Grafton Street’s website.

Russell House Tavern
14 JF Kennedy St, Harvard Square, Cambridge
Phone: (617) 500-3055
Your gastronomic Harvard Square New Year’s Eve starts off with a three-course dinner ($59/person; reservations accepted between 5 – 10 PM) from Executive Chef Michael Scelfo, whose menu includes Foie Gras & Laphroaig Terrine with Black Pepper Simple, Cherry Gelée, Smoked Almonds; Grilled Petite NY Strip & Braised Wagyu Beef Cheek with Porcini Butter, Cauliflower & Apple Puree, Horseradish Panade; and a Chocolate Hazelnut Torte with Anglaise, Dark Chocolate Mousse, Toasted Hazelnuts. Then, stick around for a two-floor party until 2 AM that includes free party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. No cover all night.

3) Celebrate 2011 in style at The Beehive’s 4th Annual New Year’s Eve Extravaganza. It’s a night of bohemian decadence, eccentric fun, and all-star funk featuring live belly dancing performances by a trio of sultry sultanas and dancing to the shakin', down-home grooves of the venerable band, Akashic Record starring vocalists Marsha Lubin and Nephtaliem aka Nephrok, and as always, a surprise or two.


Guests will indulge in Executive Chef Rebecca Newell’s buffet of eclectic hors d’oeuvres and desserts, with influences from Europe, the Mediterranean and good ol’ Americana, all served in a cocktail setting. The celebration continues as the acclaimed belly dancer, Phaedra Rose, and her trio of seductresses move to the soulful jazz-funk of Akashic Record which will have you shake, rattling and rolling all night long. Top it all off and toast the evening with a glass of champagne featured on The Beehive’s champagne list; one of the most extensive lists in New England.

Event begins at: 9pm and runs until 2:30am. Cost of the event is $95 per person and includes admission + food in addition to a cash bar; $65 per person without buffet. Tickets/Reservations are available by calling the Beehive at 617.423.0069 or by visiting beehiveboston.com

January 2010: Super Hunger Month

Two years ago, The Greater Boston Food Bank designated January as Super Hunger Month and January 2010 will mark the return of the month-long series of fundraising events to help end hunger in eastern Massachusetts.

1 in 9 people in Massachusetts is currently receiving food from a food pantry, soup kitchen or shelter, and the colder months ahead mean that more people will be forced to choose between heating their homes and paying for food. Super Hunger Month provided an additional 350,000 meals to those in need last year. It will have added significance this year as even more people seek assistance during this jobless economic recovery.

The Food Bank, in conjunction with Super Hunger Month (SHM) Chairs Chefs Jody Adams & Ming Tsai and Liz Melby of Harpoon Brewery, are pleased to announce the line-up of 2010’s SHM events, including The Super Hunger Online Auction, Super Hunger Chef Challenge and Super Hunger Brunch. Details-to-date include:

Super Hunger Online Challenge, January 17-24
During this time period, culinary-themed packages and signature Boston experiences will be auctioned online with all proceeds benefitting The Food Bank.

Super Hunger Chef Challenge, January 21, 6pm-9pm
Former Food & Wine “Best New Chef” winners Barbara Lynch of Barbara Lynch Gruppo, Michael Leviton of Lumiere and Rialto’s Jody Adams will judge Food & Wine’s recent class of “Best New Chef” winners, including Gabriel Bremer of Salts and Mary Dumont of Harvest as they compete in a culinary showdown for the title of Super Hunger Chef 2010. The Super Hunger Chef Challenge will be hosted at the Four Seasons (200 Boylston Street) by its Executive Chef Brooke Vosika.

Super Hunger Brunch, January 30-31
Greater Boston’s finest restaurants will participate in The Greater Boston Food Bank’s signature event – Super Hunger Brunch – where restaurants donate 100% of their proceeds from that day’s brunch service with some restaurants also donating server gratuities. Most restaurants offer prix-fixe menus ranging from $25-$50/person. Participating restaurants include Bin 26 Enoteca, Blue Ginger, Café Fleuri, Chez Henri, Craigie on Main, The Elephant Walk, The Fireplace, The Grapevine, Grill 23 & Bar, Jasper White’s Summer Shack, La Morra, North 26 Restaurant & Bar, Rialto, L’Espalier, Rocca Kitchen & Bar, Sel de la Terre, Sibling Rivalry, Stella, Orinoco and Tosca Restaurant.

For more information about all of these events should visit www.superhungermonth.org.

Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I briefly highlight some interesting wine and food items that I have encountered recently.
**********************************************************
1) Flora Restaurant, in Arlington, continues its Book Reading Series for the next few months.  Flora sets up their private dining room, and the invited guest author will usually reads from their latest book, discuss their latest project, and maybe more.  After the formal presentation, the author will stay and sign/sell books. There is no charge for attending these events. The upcoming authors include: 

April 12, 6pm: Cynthia Gold, Tea Sommelier for the Park Plaza Hotel, former owner of Tea Tray in the Sky and Elements restaurants and co-author of “Culinary Tea: More Than 150 Recipes Steeped in Tradition from Around the World” will be giving a Tea Cocktail Seminar as well as speaking/reading from her book. Signed copies of her book will be available for purchase. She will be giving a demo of how to use tea infusions to create cocktails, and samples will be available. Reservations are highly recommended.

For reservations, call (781) 641-1664.

2) The second annual Boston Wine Week kicks off a week-long celebration of wine, from March 28-April 3, served by the glass or bottle at a number of Boston restaurants. Proving that great wine doesn’t have to be a great expense, all wines (some of which retail up to $90/bottle) will be offered at $9/glass and $32/bottle. Participating restaurants will offer a minimum of six wines, available at a substantial discount.

Participating restaurants include: Bin 26 enoteca, Lala Rokh, BiNA osteria, Jer-Ne, Kingston Station, Woodward at the Ames Hotel, Petit Robert Bistro, Petit Robert Bistro South End, Petit Robert Central, Beacon Hill Bistro, Parker’s Restaurant at The Omni Parker House, Brasserie JO, 94 Mass Ave, Back Bay Social Club, Union Bar & Grill, and Sam’s at Louis. Check the Boston Wine Week website for additional updates.

Also back for the second year running is The Second Glass Classy Bar Crawl, a neighborhood stroll running in collaboration with Boston Wine Week. Two wine crawls are in the works for this year, the first on Thursday, March 31 with pit stops around Back Bay, including 94 Mass Ave, Brasserie JO and Back Bay Social Club. A second Industry Night Bar Crawl will take place Sunday, April 3 at participating Downtown restaurants, such as BiNA osteria, Jer-Ne and Woodward at the Ames Hotel.

3) Ting Yen, owner of Oishii Boston, will host the “Let’s Help, Answering the Call!” disaster relief fundraiser at his restaurant on April 3rd with all proceeds benefitting the Japan Red Cross Society. Ting Yen has enlisted the help of fellow local chefs that are all rallying for the cause. At the event, Anthony Caturano (Prezza), Dante de Magistris (Restaurant dante & Il Casale), Evan Deluty (Stella), Luis Morales (Radius), Kang San (Oishii Too Sushi Bar) and Jeff Nace (Neptune Oyster) will join Ting Yen to help an incredible cause.

WHEN: Sunday, April 3rd at 5:30pm
COST: $100 per person (100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Japan Red Cross Society)
TICKETS: Tickets are available by calling Oishii Boston at: 617-482-8868

4) Join 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar in Salem, on Friday, April 1st, as they toast the return of their full liquor license with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.

On February 10th, 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar became one of seven restaurants alleviated from Salem's age-old seasonal liquor license that prohibits hard alcohol from being served 10 weeks out of the year-- during the “off season.” Limited to serving only beer and wine during those 10 winter weeks, April 1 will mark the end of their seasonal liquor license, and the first day they can serve liquor again. To celebrate the end of their prohibition, 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar will unveil their new spring cocktail list and serve complimentary hors d’oeuvres to guests from 5pm-7pm in the lounge area. After 7pm, to honor the drinker and diner, “62” will serve a complimentary signature spuntino with each drink purchased off of the new cocktail menu in the bar and lounge area.

Guests can cheers to freedom with over 20 creative cocktails from “62’s spring cocktail list, each one made from fresh ingredients, including the “Kiwi” a refreshing blend of Stoli Blueberry, muddled kiwi and house-made ginger lemonade ($10), and the “Sgroppino,” named after classic Venetian sorbet, because of its delicate blend of Ketel One, Prosecco, Limoncello and mint ($10).  And no prohibition party would be complete without classic favorites such as the “Back Porch Lemonade” (Smirnoff Citrus, lemonade, cranberry and house-made ginger ale, $10), or the “The Side Car” (Brandy, Cointreau, lemon and orange bitters, $10), just two of “62’s extensive “Signature Cocktails” made with a twist!

5) Spring is in full bloom at Da Vinci Ristorante and Chef Peppino welcomes diners to enjoy flavorful creations and cocktails of the season. Launching Tuesday, March 29th diners may choose from the latest menu, featuring seasonally blends of both Italian and Indian-fused cuisine. For $39 per person, guests will have their choice of nine primi courses, fourteen secondi and seven dolci options. And as a true sign that spring is in the air, guests will have the opportunity dine outside on Da Vinci’s scenic patio overlooking Park Square.

The Prix Fixe Menu is offered all day Monday – Thursday and before 6 p.m. Friday – Saturday. New featured entrées include:

· Masala Agnolotti– Indian accents, spicy ricotta and English peas. Stuffed with ginger, cherry tomato sauce and curried pesto
· Roasted Pork Chop – Roasted and wrapped in pancetta; served with Caribbean sweet potatoes and sautéed broccoli rabe; finished with a white wine sage rosemary sauce
· New England Cod Fish – Pan seared Alaskan salmon with artichoke and sweet potato cake, sautéed baby spinach; finished with Prosecco sauce
· Sirloin Steak – Chargrilled and served with truffled Parmesan mash, sautéed asparagus, ginger cumin jus

To wash it all down, diners are invited to indulge in the following spring specialty cocktails ($12 each).
· Coconut Margarita– Patron Silver, Patron Citronge, Malibu Rum and pineapple juice
· Blueberry Gimlet– Cold River Blueberry Vodka and fresh lime juice
· London Fog– Bombay Sapphire, Cointreau and grapefruit juice

Lala Rokh: Restaurant Week

After my previous exceptional experiences at Bin 26 Enoteca, I felt that I had to try their other restaurant, Lala Rokh. Lala Rokh was the first restaurant opened by the brother and sister team of Chef Azita Bina-Seibel and Babak Bina. Since its doors opened in 1995, it has received much acclaim and positive press. Lala Rokh was participating in Boston Restaurant Week but their menu was not posted online but I decided to take a chance anyways.

Lala Rokh is a Persian restaurant, offering authentic dishs from various regions, so it is rather unique to the area. It is a rather spacious restaurant, though broken up into several different rooms so it is does not look as large as it does. Plus, the smaller rooms provide a more intimate atmosphere. When we entered the restaurant, Azita Bina-Seibel was at the hostess desk. It is always nice to see the chefs and owners at their restaurants.

They have a full list of cocktails and wines, including some with a Persian flair. The wine list is interesting and seems reasonably priced with plenty of bottles under $40. We chose a bottle of Domaine du Pegau Plan Pegau Rouge ($36), a simple Rhone style blend. It was a good wine, easy drinking and went well with much of the food we ate.

As for the food menu, there were many interesting dishes but many were not to my preference as they had too many vegetables. That certainly does not mean the food is not good, it is just not my preferred cuisine. But if you really like veggies, then you will likely enjoy this place.

My wife ordered off the Restaurant Week menu. She started with a salad of bitter greens, cucumber and tomato topped by a vinaigrette. Everything was fresh and she enjoyed it very much. I chose not to start with an appetizer.

For an entree, I had the Kebab E Bareh ($23), which had pieces of roasted lamb, a ground lamb sausage, a small pile of Basmati rice and grilled veggies. The lamb was excellent, tender and flavorful. My wife enjoyed the grilled veggies. She had a veal entree, a slow cooked dish mixed with spices, veggies and rice. The veal pieces were very tender and had an excellent taste. She thoroughly enjoyed the entire dish.

For dessert, she had a type of custard with rose water, strawberries and almonds. Again, my wife enjoyed the dessert though it was not my style.

Lala Rokh has very good cuisine, but make sure that you enjoy the style of the cuisine. Though it is not my preference, I still would recommend it, especially as it is a rather unique place.

Lala Rokh
97 Mt. Vernon Street
Boston, MA
Phone: 617-720-5511

BiNA Osteria: Superbowl Party

Do you have plans yet for the Superbowl? Well, if not, you might be interested in the Super Pig Fest at BiNA Osteria. BiNA Osteria is a hot new restaurant, owned by the same people that own Bin 26 Enoteca and Lala Rokh.

BiNA osteria is hosting a pig fest tail gate party honoring Super Bowl XLIII with the fresh slaughtering of their very own pig.

Menu items include:
Pig Chips & Dip
Pigs in a Blanket
Coppa di Testa
Pork Croquettes
Pork Confit Pannini
Bacon & Egg Pizza
AZ “Huckin Hot” Ribs
Herb Marinated Pig Butter

WHEN: Sunday, February 1, starting at 5pm

COST: $20.00 per person

BiNA Osteria
581 Washington Street (At Avery)
Boston, MA
617-956-0888

BiNA Osteria: New

Six months after its opening, Co-Proprietors Azita Bina-Seibel and Babak Bina are fine-tuning their innovative culinary approach at BiNA osteria. Executive Chef Brian Konefal has left the restaurant and Azita will head up the kitchen. This is certainly a familiar place for her considering her 15 year stints at Bina Hospitality Group’s other celebrated restaurants: Lala Rokh and Bin 26 Enoteca.

Azita has developed new lunch, dinner, bar and patio menus combining the best of new and old-world Italian cooking – modern dishes rooted in classic methods. The new menus are designed to fulfill a range of dining experience. From quick bites at the bar to multi-course meals in the formal dining room, to post-work cocktails on the recently opened patio and coffee and pastry at the adjacent BiNA alimentari, BiNA now truly offers something for everyone at any point during the day.

A new menu highlight is “design your own antipasti,” featuring items such as salmon marinated with lemon and rosemary, polpetta filled with parsley, garlic bread crumbs, walnuts and black olives, and cherry tomatoes with vanilla, crab and lime zest, leek rolled with walnuts and mascarpone, rabbit pate with white truffle cream and millefoglie, zucchini, mint and ceviche of branzino. Other menu items include:

Lunch:

Smoked eggplant, pecorino, zucchini and balsamic vinegar bruschetta
Sicilian fennel and carrot salad with lemon juice
Clams and mussels on creamed cannellini

Dinner:

Venetian salted cod, marjoram, rosemary and extra virgin olive oil
Ragout of prawns, cherry tomatoes, basil and tuna bottarga
“Livornese” fish and shellfish stew
Rack of lamb filled with colonnata lard, vegetable caponata, grilled polenta and seasonal fresh herbs.

Bar/Patio:

Pizza margherita
Beef tartar with red radicchio and celery pesto
Baby squid filled with shrimp and served with roasted eggplant, tomato confit, zucchini and balsamic vinegar

“We’ve been thrilled with the reception BiNA has received since its opening last November,” said Babak Bina, co-owner. “Our guests have embraced our sophisticatedly-casual ambiance, refined cocktail offerings, extensive wine program and modern Italian cuisine. We’ve listened to our guests’ and have refined our concept in order to make BiNA an even better dining and nightlife experience.”

Also this summer, BiNA alimentari, the adjacent European-style gourmet shop, is offering a new picnic program. Choose from BiNA alimentari’s picnic menu, starting at $35, or create your own with a la carte items such as artisanal salumi and cheeses, seasonal produce, freshly baked bread and house-made Italian pastries. Just blocks away from the city’s prime picnicking locales Boston Common and the waterfront, BiNA is a convenient stop for picnic goers.

It will be interesting to see how this new menu develops. Much of the raves for BiNA came from some of their specific dishes, such as their gnocchi and other pastas. It tended to be a bit pricey, and maybe they are trying to lower their prices to deal with the current economy. But, I have hopeful expectations that Azita and Babak will continue to run an excellent restaurant. I'll report back once I check out their new menu.

BiNA Osteria: Pasta Supreme

Azita Bina-Seibel and her brother, Babak Bina, already own two very successful restaurnts, Lala Rokh and Bin 26 Enoteca. They have tried for a triple play, opening a new high-end Italian restaurant on Washington Street in Boston. I believe this will be another successful endeavor for them.

The new restaurant, BiNA Osteria, is situated next to their new Italian market, BiNA Alimentari, which I previously gave a positive review. I had the opportunity to stop by the restaurant for a bite before a function I was attending. Based on my visit, I will definitely be returning to try more of their food.

The look of the restaurant is very modern, and even a bit minimalistic. It has a long bar and comfortable lounge area. They have a full bar and I tried one of their cocktails, the Caprese ($10), which contains Pepper Vodka, Tomato Water, Balsamic, and Basil. This was quite a unique drink, definitely reminiscent of a caprese salad. A very savory rather than sweet drink and I think it actually pairs better with food than would a sweet cocktail.

Their wine list by the glass ($7-$12) only has about a dozen or so choices, but they are interesting ones, most of the choices are from Italy though there are also some from France , Germany and Austria. I did have a delicous and fruit Chennin Blanc ($9) from the Anjou Blanc AOC, the 2007 ‘Sous La Tonelle’ by Domaine de la Bergerie.

Prior to the arrival of my food, I received some fresh sliced bread with "pig butter" which is actually lard. It comes with salt and herbs that you can mix with the lard top your bread. Sure people would likely not eat it if they called it "lard" but it is decadently tasty. It does seem to almost have a creamy, pork-like taste and I loved it atop my bread. I even got seconds because it was so good. Don't think about what it is and just enjoy.

For dinner, I opted for two small portions of two different pasta dishes. I began with the Spaghetti Alla Carbonara ($15) which is made with house made pancetta, a slow cooked hen egg, and pecorino. You break the yolk over the pasta and then stir it up. The pasta was cooked just right and the dish was quite flavorful with smoky bits of pancetta. It is small enough to be an appetizer though it has a certain richness to it that can be filling. The Potato Gnocchi ($17) came with lobster, calamari, chorizo, and Meyer lemon confit. The pillowy gnocchi were soft and light, complemented well by the tender seafood. The chorizo were thin, crisp circles adding spice and smoke to the dish. Another excellent choice.

So my initial impressions are very positive. I certainly will be returning here to try more dishes, maybe even the chef's tasting menu. Plus I want another Caprese cocktail.

BiNA Osteria
581 Washington St.
Boston, MA
Phone: (617) 956-0888

Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I briefly highlight some interesting wine and food items that I have encountered recently.
**********************************************************
1)  On Thursday, October 27, The Beehive is celebrating the colorful Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with food, libations, skulls, skeletons, alters, dance and live music by Grupo Fantasia.

"Dia de los Muertos is a traditional Mexican holiday dedicated to ancestors and the cycle of life. Neighbors gather to share food, music, and fun with their extended community, both living and departed. The celebration acknowledges that we still have a relationship with our ancestors and loved ones that have passed away. Dia de los Muertos is not at all scary, spooky or somber but fun and festive for adults and children alike."

Latin band, Grupo Fantasia, takes to the stage from 9pm-1am. Headed by master percussionist Angel Wagner, Grupo Fantasia provides traditional Latin entertainment including everything from Cuban, Dominican merengue, Puerto Rican bomba and plena, to Colombian cumbia, Mexican mariachi, calypso, reggae and Salsa, all performed on original, handmade instruments.

In addition to their regular menu, The Beehive will serve several traditional dishes such as Apple-Tequila Guacamole with Tortilla Chips ($11), Chicken with Pumpkin Mole ($22), Braised Short Ribs in Adobe ($23) and Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Green Salsa ($24), and The Beehive’s Pan de Muertos ($8) or “Bread of the Dead." In celebration of Mexico's Day of the Dead, this bread is often shaped into skulls or round loaves with strips of dough rolled out and attached to resemble bones.

WHEN: Thursday, October 27, live music from 6:30pm-1am; food & drink from 5pm-2am
COST: No cover charge, cash bar

2)  Yankee Magazine Lifestyle Editor Amy Traverso has just launched her new cookbook, “The Apple Lover’s Cookbook”. Amy is joining MET Back Bay Culinary Director Todd Winer and ReadBoston to host “The Apple Lovers Cookbook” dinner at MET Back Bay on November 1st. Chef Winer has worked with Amy to create a multi-course dinner featuring Fall sweet and savory dishes. The evening will begin at MET Back Bay Townhouse with a cocktail reception and book signing at 6:30 pm followed by dinner in the Ballroom at 7:30. Proceeds from this event will be donated to ReadBoston.

The menu includes:
--A Selection of Apple Inspired Passed Appetizers
--First Course: Apple, Pistachio, Persimmon & Pomegranate Salad, Shaved Ginger Gold Apples, Wild Arugula & Black Pepper Honey Dressing
--Second Course: Berkshire Pork Belly & Mini Pork Apple Pies; Slowly Braised Belly In Cider, Calvados And Prunes With A Mini Savory Pie Stuffed With Cheddar, Pork And Apples
--Intermezzo: Green Apple Sauvignon Blanc Sorbet
--Third Course: Apple- Pear Cobbler, Lemon-Cornmeal Biscuit, Apple Ginger Snap Ice Cream, Cider Rum Caramel
--Apple Petit Fours

Tickets for the event are $95 and include a meet-and-greet cocktail reception with author Amy Traverso and ReadBoston, a copy of “The Apple Lover’s Cookbook”, and a multi-course seated dinner. Tickets can be purchased by calling 617-267-0451.

3)  October 24th marks Food Day. Modeled on Earth Day, Food Day is a national celebration with an agenda – to promote healthy, affordable food produced in a sustainable, humane way. Legal Harborside will whip up a special three-course prix fix lunch or dinner to honor the day including the following:

Appetizer
Fall Green Salad (Sky Vegetables greens, pears, spiced walnuts, Great Hill blue cheese vinaigrette)
Entree
Local Sautéed Grey Sole (Slab bacon, braised Verrill Farm’s collard greens, fire roasted squash)
Suggested wine pairing: Domaine Zind-Humbrecht “Clos Windsbuhl” Riesling, Alsace, 2006, $55 per bottle
Biodynamically farmed with rich, ripe apple, peach and mineral notes
Dessert
Tarte Tatin (Honey Pot Hill Orchards apples, crème fraiche ice cream)
Suggested wine pairing: Konrad “Sigrun” Noble Riesling, Marlborough, 2002, $8.50 per glass/$32.00 per half bottle. Sustainably farmed with luscious, sweet apricot and honey flavor

COST: Three-course prix fixe: $37.95 per person (includes tax and gratuity)

4)  AKA Bistro, in Lincoln, has recently named Damien Brockway as their new Chef de Cuisine. Damien, another alumni of the kitchen at Clio, hails from Norwalk, Connecticut and has over a dozen years of professional experience in French and new American cooking. He most recently worked in San Francisco at One Market, and has also worked at Salts in Cambridge, The Old Inn on the Green in New Marlboro, and 2-3 other highly rated restaurants in New England. He holds a culinary degree from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. Damien is also a certified arborist, and enjoys foraging and rock climbing when not cooking.

Brockway has added the following dishes to the new fall menu:
* Tartlette Savoyarde (with roasted garlic, raclette cheese and foraged mushrooms)
* Loup de Mer (sea bass) with Belgian endive, roasted potato, salsify and cress
* Seared Duck Breast with braised red cabbage, rutabaga, hibiscus and cocoa nibs
* 13 oz. Cote de Beouf Bordelaise with cauliflower gratin

In addition, Executive Chef & Co-owner Chris Chung is debuting some new offerings:
* BBQ Hiramasa Sashimi (Australia kingfish) with hibiscus, smoked foam and pickled baby leeks
* Scallop Sashimi with preserved lemon puree, jalapeno-daikon granite’
* AKA Fried Rice with Rib Eye Cap, seasonal seafood and farm vegetables

I have dined at AKA Bistro since Chef Brockway has been appointed, and the quality of their food has not diminished in the least. I have not tried their new fall items yet but they certainly sound appealing. AKA Bistro remains one of my favorite suburban restaurants.

AKA Bistro also has some special events planned for the next coming months. On November 2, at 6:30pm, Peter Lovis, proprietor of The Concord Cheese Shop, will host a discussion and tasting of almost 20 (primarily French) cheeses. After tasting the cheeses in their natural states, diners will be served five cheese-based courses with wines to match, ranging from Warm Herbed Goat Cheese and Greens with Sancerre, to a quartet of bleu cheeses . The cost is $85 per person and you must call 781-259-9920 for reservations.

5)  On November 2nd, at 6:30pm, Legal Sea Foods at the Prudential Center will host a South African wine dinner, part of their ongoing celebration of the region that boasts a 350+ year history of winemaking. From October 31st to November 27th, participating Legal Sea Foods locations will offer an exclusive wine list affording an opportunity to enjoy the distinct and delicious flavors of South African wines. This special three-plus course wine dinner will be hosted by Wendy Appelbaum, owner of De Morgenzon Estate.

The menu will be presented as follows:

Hors d'Oeuvres
Selection of Raw Oysters and Ceviche
Raats Family “Original” Chenin Blanc, Coastal Region, 2010
First Course
Fried Mussels
Celery, Fennel, and Shiitake Mushroom Salad with Harissa Dressing
Buitenverwachting Sauvignon Blanc, Constantia, 2010
Second Course
Pistachio and Caper Crusted Salmon
Braised Escarole, Cured Lemon, Chorizo Oil
and Cannellini Beans
De Morgenzon “DMZ” Chardonnay, Western Cape, 2010
De Morgenzon Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, 2009
Third Course
Coffee and Vin Cotto Glazed Short Ribs
Caramelized Apples and Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes
De Morgenzon “DMZ” Shiraz, Western Cape, 2008
Kanonkop Pinotage, Stellenbosch, 2009
Dessert Course
Bananas Foster Bread Pudding
Klein Constantia "Vin de Constance," Constantia, 2006

COST: $75 per person (excludes tax and gratuity)
Reservations required by calling: 617-266-6800

6)  Galloping into town for the second year running this November is the “Horsing Around at the Ritz” Gala benefiting The BiNA Farm, a philanthropic endeavor of Coryn Bina and her husband Babak Bina, co-owner of Lala Rokh, Bin 26 Enoteca and BiNA osteria. A non-profit organization aiding children with cognitive, physical, psychological and developmental challenges, The BiNA Farm provides Equine Assisted Activities & Therapies (EAAT) and integrated programs focused on life skills, music, art, gardening and nature, among many others.

§ Presentation by children from The BiNA Farm’s program, with special video messages from Cam Neely of the Boston Bruins and Senator Scott Brown.

§ Live and silent auction items with proceeds ensuring that children with special needs from all walks of life reap the benefits of The BiNA Farm’s programs through scholarship funding.

§ Remarks from Honorary Chair Keith Lockhart of The Boston Pops.

WHO: The BiNA Farm Founders Babak & Coryn Bina and Terry Snow; Master of Ceremonies
Kim Khazei of Channel 7 News; The BiNA Farm Honorary Chairs Keith & Emiley Lockhart; and The BiNA Farm Board of Directors, including Dr. Barry Zuckerman, Chief of Pediatrics at Boston Medical Center, and Patty Ribakoff, Co-Chair of Mass General Hospital’s philanthropy program.
WHEN: Saturday, November 12, at 6:30 p.m.
COST: Individual Tickets: $250
Reserve Champ (two tickets): $500
Grand Champ (10 tickets): $2,500
World Champ (10 tickets): $5,000
WHERE: The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common, 10 Avery Street, Boston

7)  On November 2nd, from 7pm-9pm, Stanley Cup champion Shawn Thornton will host a wine social at Towne Stove and Spirits in the Back Bay to benefit the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Joined by his teammates and their significant others, Thornton and his crew will turn the tables and introduce various wine and beer selections alongside hors d’oeuvres by Culinary Director Lydia Shire. Supporters will also enjoy a silent auction and raffle while mingling with Boston’s latest golden team in a relaxed setting.

COST: $50 per ticket (proceeds benefit the ASPCA and include complimentary wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres)
TICKETS: Contact Sports Identity at 617-744-5423.