frugal foodista

When a Chef invites you to dinner...

2012-02-24T15:34:00.001-08:00

One of the things I value most about writing a food blog, is surprisingly, not just about the food. Since I started writing this blog (almost two years now!), I have come to discover many new restaurants and hidden gems, I have explored and familiarized myself with new neighborhoods but most of all, I have come to meet so many different people. Many of the relationships I have built in the past year have been thanks to my activities as a foodista in and around Boston. It is truly enriching to meet people from all walks of life who share one common passion...food:)

A couple of months ago I became acquainted with Chef Joshua Lewin, newly appointed Executive Chef at Beacon Hill Bistro. Chef Lewin worked as Sous-Chef for BHB for about two years (a few months of which was under the direction and mentor-ship of Chef Jason Bond of Bondir) before being promoted.

This past week, Joshua and I did a bit of an exchange, he first came to a performance of mine at the Ballet, and I came by his restaurant a few days later. As a performer, I always love having friends in the audience, it allows me to really project and dedicate my performance - and with what follows, you will see just how much I enjoyed his tasting menu...it seems like I got a pretty sweet deal. Then again, I would imagine that perhaps the life of a dancer is not so different from the life of a head chef; his kitchen being his studio and the restaurant...his stage - familiar faces in the latter might be just as rewarding!

My friend and I were due for dinner at 7:30, I arrived a couple minutes early and snagged a shot of the outdoor sign. Beacon Hill is a great neighborhood and Charles Street ranks highly on my list of favorites:) Funnily enough, this was my first visit to BHB...I am glad I managed to wait until this invitation to try it out!

Chef Joshua had prepared an incredible menu, he had even printed out coursed menu cards with the date and our names! Talk about a keepsake:) The meal was designed to give us a broad grasp on his regular menu, something I really appreciated because I wanted to get the real deal! Our meal began with an amuse-bouche that definitely tickled my taste buds. It was a 'honey mussel' which is a rare breed only found in British Columbia. It was topped with salt crystals that brought out the unique flavors of the oyster while offering an interesting contrast. I am always amazed when something so small can be so full of flavor! The oyster was accompanied by oyster mushrooms, tantalizing both in aesthetics and taste.

Our first course was a charcuterie board with an assortment of pates, lardo, meats and condiments. My absolute favorite was the duck liver pate (pictured closest to the lens). I paired it with the grainy mustard on the crunchy baguette. The house-made fig spread was so delicious I ended up eating it by itself once all the other meats had somehow disappeared;)

For the second course, we were presented with two dishes, above we have the Evergreen cured Gravlax (smoked salmon) with baby beets, frisee and faroese yogurt. What I was most impressed with here was the incorporation of the beets, an item usually paired with goat cheese and hazelnuts. Here Joshua strayed from the invariable smoked salmon, dill and caper number and dipped into his creative side, offering us a very refreshing alternate to a staple on most restaurant menus.

Also part of the second course was a 'Sandra Jean' Scallop accompanied by grapefruit, vanilla and brown butter. I am always a sucker for scallops, the brown butter and vanilla were subtle enough not to overpower the scallop flavir while allowing for a note of sweetness. I could have had five of these!

It is probably just as well that I did not have five because the third course consisted of hand rolled tagliatelle...and yes, those are winter black truffles you spy! (how spoiled we were!) The sauce with this dish was a light, creamy concoction that paired well with the other flavors, pepper was used tastefully and I once again found myself longing for more:)

Fourth we had the proteins come in, in style. Above was the Rohan Duck breast in a reduction with rutabaga and braised greens. The duck was soft in texture and strong in flavor; the skin, crispy and juicy.

However, my friend and I both agreed that the Painted Hills Beef Short Rib had the upper hand. A gentle pressure with my fork had the entire portion fall apart in a beautiful heap of tender, juicy meat. Soft, buttered cabbage and red wine glazed carrots were such excellent compliments they could barely be referred to as 'sides'. It was very difficult for me to pass along the other half to my friend...very difficult!

As full as we were, we always have room for dessert. Joshua kept his creative and inspired style all the way through. For dessert, we were presented with a Spiced Parsnip Cake....I know what you are thinking, how could parsnip ever be considered for an ingredient in a dessert!? Well, as a testimony to Joshua, this cake was moist and spicy, sweet and light all at the same time. Complexity was added by the chocolate ganache covering, juniper ice cream and hazelnuts. It was a dessert epiphany and as it turns out, Joshua was a bit nervous about this dish...my empty plate assured him the risk was worth taking!
We finished the meal off with some vanilla ice cream 'a la mode'...aka on its own:) It was delightful.

I think by now I can say that I have been to fair number of restaurants and experienced a good number of tasting menus. Few, if any, could parallel the experience Chef Joshua put together for my friend and I this past week. The balance of ingredients not only within each dish, but also from course to course show off his culinary intuition, expertise and passion. Best of all, most dishes can be ordered from his regular menu, so a tasting menu like this can be recreated - although perhaps in more than one visit!

After only 6 weeks as the head of the BHB kitchen, Chef Lewin has already honed his menu and individual style, he has apparently found a niche where he can be free to flourish!

It is because of Chefs and friends like Joshua that I am so enthralled and committed to Boston's food community:)

Jumping on the Ramen Band-Wagon.

2012-02-20T08:59:00.000-08:00

Boston seems to get mixed up in food crazes, just like the rest of the world. The only difference is that we tend to lag behind most of the time. As the wise always say however, 'Better late than never!' and with the most recent food fad to hit the Boston area, I would concur!

For a couple of months now, there has been a huge buzz going on about Ramen, the popular noodle dish from China. (Many people think it is from Japan, but it originated in China in the early 1900s). Ramen became a huge popular sensation in Asia during the 1980s when 'instant' ramen was invented.

Here we are now, 30 years later, and Boston has decided to jump on the Ramen bandwagon! Apart from ramen shops in Chinatown that have been around for a while, the new found Ramen craze can largely be attributed to the new Guchi Midnight Ramen Pop-up. I have yet to make it to one and am still kicking myself for giving up my invitation to their opening weekend - I thought it would have been really tough to start my first week back rehearsing with a 12:30 am Ramen feast...now I am not so sure...

However! I did say this was becoming a trend and I was not lying! Freshly renovated Uni has also started a 'late night ramen' extravaganza. Theirs is a little more regular, being served Thursday-Saturday every week from 11 to closing.

I am happy to say that I have at least made it to this ramen event and it just so happened to be after a performance of Simply Sublime, so I really had an appetite! Myself along with a bunch of show-goers traipsed over to Uni for some indulgence at midnight:)

Uni's renovations are subtle but effective, they have changed the paneling in the walls to light wood which gives the whole place a more 'sashimi bar-esque' feel. Low Japanese-style seating is also a new addition.

Chef Oringer's idea for the Late-night Ramen was to bring everything down a notch to allow for a more casual experience. One detail I really like is that the menus are written out on pieces of cardboard:)

Although Ramen is the main attraction, there are other little tid-bites that I found equally delightful. Above we have some deep friend chicken skins with flavored rice sandwiched in between. These were tasty and salty, great ways to hike up that Ramen thirst:)

My personal favorite was actually their steamed buns of which they had two flavors, the pork belly (um...yes!) and the duck. Both were beautifully seasoned with extra crunch coming from pickled vegetables in the pork belly and a layer of fried skin for the duck. I just really love the super doughy texture of the buns...it somehow feels like being a kid again!

Once we had finished our 'amuse-bouches', our ramen arrived. Traditionally, ramen comes served heaping in big bowls. You are faced with a massive quantity of steaming broth topped with various accoutrements. At Uni, the serving is a little small, but the taste is actually quite commendable. I ordered the umami which comes with BBQ unagi (eel) and a somewhere between hard and soft boiled egg, traditional of most ramen dishes. The noodles were very well cooked, the unagi was a delight, I did, however, find the broth to be a bit too thick, it was almost like a curry...a very tasty curry though:)

All in all, it is a fine option for late night diners - I know I would return without much need of convincing. I would be happier still if the steamed buns were not 8 dollars each, a price point I think is a bit unreasonable, given their desire to create an authentic ramen house feel. The bowls of ramen at 10 dollars is a better ratio.

Either way, I know I will return without much need of convincing and although Boston is a bit late...I can truly say...it is most definitely better than never!

J.M. Curley's - a new hideout perfect for post-performance libations:)

2012-02-16T14:13:00.000-08:00

After a performance, my hunger for artistry and performing is usually filled, but my belly begs for attention. It is always good to know where you can go for a good meal, drink and general 'detente'. In the theater district, it is sometimes difficult to find a place that offers all three...especially when you are not looking to spend a whole wad of money and when you are nearing that ominous 'kitchen is closed' time. You can thus image how happy I was when I ventured to JM Curleys after our Opening Night of Simply Sublime and was met with a restaurant/bar with huge post-performance potential.

Located down the alley of Temple street, JM Curley's is really easy to miss. It has a modest and strictly no frills front. Once you are in, you find your own seat and in not much time at all, someone from the team will come over a greet you.

Greetings at restaurants usually involve a polite hello, some subsequent inquiries and water. At JM Curley's, you also get a batch of their 'flavor-of-the-day' popcorn. Upon my first visit (yes, because I have since been back!), it was garlic popcorn and on my return visit just two days later, it was gingerbread. (!!!) It's really fantastic and much needed, because, as I mentioned earlier, after a show, I have a dangerous appetite...and snacks to keep me happy while I wait for my food are essential.

Another key component, is of course the bar, and again, JM Curley's excels not only with its great list of local brews, but also with its craft cocktails. Bar manger Kevin, has come up with a few excellently made cocktails. I have tried three thus far and all have since ranked as some of my favorite drinks in Boston. Above, we have the Hemingway Heat, made with rhum agricole, grapefruit juice, maraschino, lime and jalapeno. My personal favorite is the Dark and Stormy - Dark rum, ginger brew and lime with a sugared rim. Kevin however, recommended some of his house specialty Gin and (house made) tonic - Plymouth, Yellow Charteuse, Quinine Bark Powder and citrus. I am not always a fan of Gin and Tonics...but this baby is in a class of its own! All priced at 9 dollars, these cocktails make for perfect libations anytime, any day!

For food, we ordered their baby spinach salad with pralines, charred red onions, goat cheese and candy apple vinaigrette. I also tried their baby iceberg salad which is a half head of lettuce, topped with croutons, hard-boiled egg, pickled beets, bacon and pop's Russian dressing. I liked both, but the latter had perhaps a bit too much of dressing.

Of their snacks, we tried their deviled eggs which were creamy and delicious, topped with spring onions and ham. I don't usually love deviled eggs, but again, as with the Gin and Tonic, these are quite different from the usual congealed mounds you get at the buffet salad bar!

Continuing in the trend of delightful snacks were their deep fried pickles, again, another hit! The pickles were sliced just the right width and coated in a very light but very crisp batter. It is so easy to over coat fried pickles and you end up loosing the intended effect.

We also tried their Brussel Sprouts with Duck confit and Gruyere as well as their East-by-dirty-South Yams which come topped with marshmallow and candied pecans. Although both sides were top in taste and novelty, they did not do so well in the limelight of my camera...so I left those pictures out:) With all the juicy goodness however, we decided an order of house made pretzels was necessary - and they were!

We tried many things and none disappointed.

I don't usually see myself as a 'regular', there are so many places to try out! With JM Curleys's, I think that trend may be broken. In the first week of shows, I frequented this spot twice and both times I came out completely happy and satisfied. The fact that they have a daily PB&J, alcoholic milkshakes and bacon peanut brittle pretty much seals my fate...more visits are to follow. Perfect timing too, our Spring Season is just getting heated up! Stop by JM Curley's before or after the show:)

Celebrity Chef Series at Stella!

2012-02-12T15:17:00.000-08:00

In the restaurant business, Monday nights are known for being the 'off' night - people are usually still recovering from their weekends, or trying to get their minds around the inevitability that is the rest of the week. Monday nights in restaurants are thus usually quiet and relatively low key.

This is the exact opposite of what has been going on at Stella every Monday since the New Year. For its third year in a row, Stella holds a Celebrity Chef Series in which a different 'Celebrity Chef' from around Boston is invited to come up with a multi-course meal to be served on Mondays. Chef Evan Deluty really has a fantastic initiative on his hands. While you can still order from the regular menu, the bonus of experiencing a different chef's culinary style and inspiration every week has really been drawing in the crowds.

Last Monday, it was Chef Louis DiBicarri of Storyville who cooked up a fantastic four course meal. He certainly had Stella buzzing with South End locals, fans and friends of both Head Chefs and food enthusiasts.

First course: Guanciale (delicious, crispy bacon), fried brussel leaves and fennel pollen served under a beautifully soft-boiled egg with toasted focaccia. It was a perfect sample of a dressed up breakfast:)

Next we had a mushroom and roasted red pepper linguini. This pasta dish was served almost like a soup (I assume this was intentional), the broth was certainly delicious and the three large mushrooms were plump with the jus. I really enjoyed the colours, they were perfect for winter.

For the third course, Chef Louis came out with a White Sweet potato soup topped with pomegranate seeds that added a surprising burst of tang and creme fraiche to balance it all out.

The piece de resistance came next, it was a sizable cut of Veal Osso Bucco with saffron potatoes and escarole. I don't often eat veal, but Chef Louis' meat was really prime, I thought it was cooked to a lovely reddish brown, it fell apart at the slightest pressure and you were left with the bone which - to further my delight, was filled with bone marrow!

I really enjoyed this dish...and somehow finished every last bit of it!

As a sweet ending, I thought Chef Louis was very brave in baking up batches of half-baked chocolate chip cookies. Although this sounds pretty juvenile, I happen to think that baking a good chocolate chip cookie is quite a challenge. It can be too hard, too crunchy, not enough chocolate, not the right contrast between chocolate and batter....etc. Chef Louis' cookies were beautiful. He managed to nail the crispy outer rim with ooey-gooey goodness on the inside. The bitter-sweet chocolate chips married perfectly with the sweet batter. My friend and I asked for a scoop of vanilla gelato to top it off which I really think is a necessity.

I enjoyed the entire meal; it was different, delicious and there was certainly no pretension. Dishes were honest and delightful. When chefs are let loose and free, you really get to try something fun.. priced at 40 dollars this series is a definite win both for restaurants and their patrons.

I can't think of a better way to start off my week - and lucky for us all, this Monday Chef Will Gilson is up and rumour has it...be is going for 6 courses!

Burritos at their fiercest!

2012-02-08T06:47:00.000-08:00

With the Patriots' loss at the Super Bowl on Sunday evening, it made for a bit of a sad ending to an otherwise great weekend. Monday, a hard day by any stretch, becomes that much more difficult when you know your team came so close to winning that shiny trophy....however, it would be an even bigger shame to let this bump in the road overshadow a different kind of Super Bowl that was in fact, a tremendous success this very same weekend.

On Saturday, at Poe's Rattlesnake Kitchen and Bar, the Burrito Bowl was held for the second year in a row. This event is thrown in honor of the Super Bowl, bringing together some of Boston's finest chefs and their own renditions of the infamous 'burrito'. With good food, friendly faces and some fierce culinary competition, this is the kind of Super Bowl I can really get behind!

The competitive spirit started early as I raced to get in line before the doors opened to the public. The event had sold out a couple of days prior...so I knew I had to be on my A game;)

Luckily, Justin, a kindred food blogger, was in line just behind me, it was a nice opportunity to catch up without being distracted by endless burritos:)

Once the doors did open, I wasted no time trying to get a few good shots in before the rest of the crowds filtered in.

The Boloco team had prime real estate, with their station set up right up front and center. Jason Hutchison had prepared a 'Chorizo con papas' burrito, served with tortillas and some very spicy salsa. It was a great way to kick off:)

The way the Burrito Bowl is set up, each Chef has their station where they prepare their concoction and hand out sample-sized portions (although some of the 'sample' sizes are incredibly generous...not that I am complaining!). Guests are given a voting card and just before the end, all votes are tallied to determine the winner and esteemed Burrito Bowl Champion.

Although everyone performed well, a couple of Chefs really stood out and made my final decision difficult. Chef Jon Gilman of Church made a mean 7-layer dip burrito. It was a seven layer goblet of intrigue that came garnished with a spinach tortilla chip and a piece of pork belly. I really loved this number, the pulled pork at the bottom was absolutely delicious. I think it would have been much stronger if it was somehow easier to get all the flavors at once...

Chef Marc Orfaly from Pigalle made a really delicious and subtle Kimchi burrito. The kimchi made for a delicious hint of tangy spice and the spicy mayo on the side was the perfect 'moist maker'. I would have preferred it if the rice was more flavorful...it seemed to be a bit of a bland filler that took away from the killer kimchi.

Chef Erwin Ramos of Ole was busy firing up some of the world's most complicated burrito bowls. I can't actually remember what all went into them. I can recall a layer of rice and black beans, two different kinds of meat, (pork I think...), fried plantains (boy am I a sucker for those!), jicama slaw....some very delicious corn lasagna and various salsas...

Although some elements of this bowl were really fantastic (plantains and corn lasagna), there was a bit too much going on for it to be truly effective...

The Chef I was most impressed with turned out to be the Crowd favorite. (The judge's award went to Andy Husbands of Brian Roche of Lolita somehow managed to create a bowl that kept me coming back for seconds...and maybe even a third;)

On a bed of truffle risotto, we had sauteed mushrooms, a beautifully cooked beef (I don't know how they managed to cook this meat just so at such a big event!) drizzled with a sweet sauce. Here and there you would find a crunch from crispy fried pork rinds and yes...that dusting on top is a cluster of gold specks.

This dish was really top notch, the flavors were different and creative and worked together to bring about a wondrous ensemble.

Chef Roche managed to circumvent all the challenges that are inherent in such off-site competitions - his bowls were all presented in the same, consistent manner, each was treated and garnished individually, each produced the same high level quality and taste.

At events like these, I always come out feeling completely full - but not just from the food, but also from new, fresh takes on some of my favorite restaurants in Boston. I am also always filled with new spots to check out. Freshly added to the Foodista Archives are restaurants Church and Ole. Repeat visits are also in order for Pigalle and Lolita:)
So even though one Super Bowl did not turn out quite right, I can get on with my week in peace knowing that at least Burritos are properly attended to:)

Congratulations and thank you to all participants of the Burrito Bowl II, it was a fantastic event and I cannot wait until next year! A special thanks to Brian Poe for hosting:)

The Heart of the Honey

2012-02-03T10:54:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, 2nd of February, Upstairs on the Square collaborated with Follow the Honey to create a four course dinner inspired by the incredibly versatile condiment. When one first thinks about a 'Honey dinner', one might be inclined to think it would be an overly sweet experience...I myself was a bit curious as to how it would all play out. I can tell you right off the bat however, that this dinner, put together by Chef Susan Regis and Mary Canning (owner of Follow the Honey), was exquisite, using different species of honey to bring about attributes and flavors in each dish.

Before we delve into the different courses, (featured in the menu above), let me just comment briefly on the novelty of the evening for me. For one thing, it was my first time at Upstairs on the Square, (embarassing...I know!) and for another, well, it would be my first time really exploring the culinary versatily to be found 'honey'.

As soon as I walked into the place, I knew it was something quite different. I would probably best describe it as walking into Alice's Wonderland - there are fun and quirky decorations coming out of the walls, warped mirrors here and there, and the colours are just fantastic! It gives everything a very whimsical feel - once you step in here, Harvard Square falls into thin air - you are transported!

The meal, which began with some Mead and a trio of cheeses with different accompanying honeys, was on the third floor and was arranged in group tables. My friend and I were at a table with a young couple who actually keep two bee hives (another first for me!) and some recently retired high school teachers. I always love meals of this kind, you get to meet and connect with some very interesting people!

The first course, pictured above, was a Popover with Organic White Volcano Honey, a light mix of greens, sliced radish and a roasted chestnut. The cheese trio had already got my taste buds going and this dish continued the trend. The crispy popover was light and warm, and in the middle (very like a volcano:) ), there was a pool of warm volcano honey. The two came together in holy matrimony. I was enthralled!

The next dish was probably the highlight for me, and my friend, a huge fan of anything containing pork belly, agrees. This dish combined two of my favorite things: scallops and pork belly. The P Town Scallops were Honeycomb topped and amidst a Green River ambrosia mead. The different tastes and textures in this dish were a salute to the cunning of using two different kinds of honey. The pork belly itself was probably some of the best I have had. The top was perfectly crispy, the belly was almost liquid it melted so readily in your mouth and the meaty part was tender and sweet. I could have had five of these dishes no problem.

The main course was a duo of Clementine Dusted Duckling. It was served atop a huge and juicy caramelized endive and honey dragee almonds. It came with a honeyed brioche filled with soft, sweet honey butter. This dish was very nicely compiled (even though I did not manage to get a good picture...), the duck was well cooked and the reduction was not too sweet. I reveled in the honey dragee almonds which added a surprising crunch. My favorite part of this dish however was the endive, which was bursting with flavor.

To finish everything off, Chef Regis was very clever to end with a Panna Cotta - which is Italian for 'cooked cream'. It would have been a mistake to make something too sweet, but this White Gold Panna Cotta was refreshingly creamy, topped with a perfect crunch from honey caramel corn and a spicy peanut mix.

The whole meal was sublime. It was all tied together at the end with a little honey caramel truffle.

My only reservation was with regards to the wine and cocktail pairing. Apart from the very first pairing - the Bee's Knees - a cocktail with Gin, Honey and Lemon, all the others fell a little flat. It was most likely because the meals themselves were so outstanding.

All in all though, this adventure was very special. Mary, owner of Follow the Honey has a fantastic approach to her passion. Just with the opening of Follow the Honey, she has already gotten people thinking differently about an ingredient many just think of as a sweetener for tea. With this new found partnership, Mary and Susan have begun to pave the way towards a very sweet, but very substantial future:)

I also can't wait to go back to Upstairs on the Square for some of their fun Events:)

Across the universe on a Sunday evening

2012-01-31T16:46:00.000-08:00

Sunday evenings are generally low key for me. I like to feel like I can take the time to get myself prepped and ready for the rigours of the week that is to follow.

Of course, there are always those times when you break from tradition and this past Sunday was one such occasion. On Sunday evening, from 7-9, Zagat held its Blog re-launch party at Catalyst in Kendall Square. A few Boston bloggers were invited and I was happy to be among them - we were set up in a cozy corner of the restaurant, right by the fire. I had consistently heard good things about the space at Catalyst, and with a quick look around, the salvaged old barn wood and a couple of fireplaces, it is no wonder! Seated in our corner, we were then treated to a humble collection of some of Chef William Kovel's dishes.

It is always nice to reconnect with some of my friendly food enthusiasts and to meet new ones! Three guesses as to what we talk about:) It's even better when in between conversations, you get a little tid-bite to taste. My favorite bites were the seared scallops with bacon relish...

and the Parmesan-truffle fries:)

Unfortunately, the little tastes we had were just enough to stimulate our appetites, and so, with the sweetness of their butterscotch puddings still on our tongues, Rachel, Holly (my two foodies in crime) and I headed over to Veggie Galaxy for some more substantial grub:)

This was my second time at Veggie Galaxy, a greasy vegetarian and vegan diner (if you can imagine that!). They are most known for their all-day breakfast and veggie burgers and sandwhiches...not to be confused with their vegan pizza stint at Veggie Planet.

During my first visit, my friend and I occasioned the bar overlooking the open kitchen where chefs are busy flipping, chopping and dressing away. It was a very appetite-inducing experience!

We each ordered a sandwich, I chose their spicy veggie melt, a mixture of tofu, carrots and other veggies topped with cheese and pressed between two slices of rye. It was a spicy, vegetarian rendition of a tuna melt and I LOVED it! On the side, a simple red cabbage salad.

My friend got their burger. I know what you are thinking..why on earth would you go to a vegetarian diner and order a burger!? Well, this is no ordinary veggie burger.. the patty is made of mushrooms and lentils and is then smothered in a delicious red pepper sauce and topped with two fried onion rings...tempted? The burger is enough to satisfy any meat eater, every last bite was finished.

Not quite as successful was their baked Mac and Cheese. The first time it arrived it was very soupy, we sent it back and upon the second attempt, it was much, much better. We think the first time it did not get its due time in the oven...

For my second visit, we sat in the main area of their dining room, set up in true diner fashion with booths and high top tables.

Holly got their burger and was completely satisfied by the end of her meal. Rachel ordered a grilled cheese which came nice and buttery with a deliciously seasoned and grilled tomato - no need for ketchup with this baby!

I myself, was having a huge indecisive moment, but landed on their breakfast sandwich, with egg, arugula and cheese. I asked them to serve it on their home baked, pepper biscuit and what a delight that was! Their hash browns were alright, although I could have used a bit more seasoning...

We did not have enough room for dessert this time around. But I can testify from what I have tasted previously, (above is there peanut butter chocolate cupcake with coconut whipped cream:) ) that all of their desserts are delicious and will absolutely amaze anyone the least bit skeptical about vegan delights. Other visits are definitely necessary, my belly was just not big enough to fit anymore.
Veggie Galaxy successfully manages to mix authentic diner qualities (including very affordable prices) with completely vegetarian fare.

Thanks to Holly and Rachel for making the evening such a nice break from tradition:)

A4 does it again...this time for Brunch!

2012-01-28T18:36:00.000-08:00

Since they first opened their doors, only mere months ago, Area Four has managed to hit the nail on its head. Beginning first with their Cafe and Bakery, and then opening up their Full restaurant serving lunch and dinner, Area Four is seeping with the attention to detail so essential in a good, solid restaurant.

With quirky decor decisions like the upturned chemistry and measuring cups used as hanging lights, huge open windows and a menu that evolves alongside the seasons, Area Four achieves excellence without a hint of pretension. When I heard they were about to launch their much-anticipated Brunch service....I could barely contain my excitement. Lucky for me, I got to try it out this weekend - and lucky for everyone (although I had no doubt in my mind!) brunch falls right in line with the quality of the other facets of the establishment.

It was a beautiful Saturday morning in January, my friend and I settled in at a table with the open kitchen bustling away on our left and a view of the park to our right. We quickly ordered some espresso beverages, I went for a soy latte - I can never resist espresso-art! Didn't I say they pay attention to detail here!?

With a menu that is just the right size...not too big and not too small, we started with Kastrie's basket of goodies: light and fluffy banana bread, croissant and a duffin...aka donut muffin...aka heaven coated and protected in a delicious crispy layer of sugar and butter:)
On special today was a cinnamon roll...however just calling it this does not do this bad boy justice. Chef Michael Leviton has managed to create a caramel and icing smothered (and seemingly infused) swirling roll of dough topped with more of the icing (for good measure) and whole pecans. As crazy as this is going to sound...I think I would place it on par with the famous sticky buns from Flour Bakery...(gasp)

I would have been quite happy to demolish the whole basket of goodies, however I saved myself for the next two dishes. Although many people might skip over this item, the A4 granola with Sophia's Greek yogurt (the creamiest Greek yogurt I have tasted) and drizzled with local Honey is a great addition to the table. The three simple components come together beautifully.

The piece de resistance I would have to say however, is their 'Hot Veggie Mess':

2 Sunny Side Up Chip-in-Farm Eggs placed atop Home Fries, Caramelized Onions, Mushrooms, Baby
Spinach, Cheddar, Scallions & Pickled Banana Pepper Relish. Because no brunch is really brunch without bacon, we decided to add it to this mess...and make it even hotter.

The eggs were perfectly cooked, the balance between all the ingredients provided for a 'mess' that somehow kept its form and within each bite, you experienced each individually and yet in harmony...don't ask me how this is possible...you will just have to try it for yourself!

After this meal, my friend and I were really ready to get the rest of our day going. There is no better way to start your weekend, than with a brunch like this. Area Four is casual and comfortable, everyone from the hostess to head Chef Michael are there and happy to be, the entire team's positive energy is palpable...maybe this is part of why everything tastes so good!

Tea time at L'Espalier!

2012-01-24T17:13:00.000-08:00

L'Espalier has long been known as the pioneer of 'haute cuisine' in Boston. Since 1978, it has been at the forefront of New England/French cooking, bringing fresh, local ingredients to the table with classic french technique.

L'Espalier is, by reputation, not the most affordable restaurant. This is because they are known for their multi-course dinners. What most people do not realize however, is that their lounge area is a very affordable option for a light snack, drink and most importantly, a sampling of their phenomenal cheese cart.

Making the lounge an even more exciting place to visit, L'Espalier has just recently appointed a 'Tea Sommelier'. So we have all heard the term 'Sommelier' and we know it has something to do with wine and pairings.. but a 'Tea' Sommelier?

This term is synonymous to 'tea whisperer'...ok, so maybe that term does not exist either. But you get the idea!

Cynthia Gold, recently of Park Plaza, has just accepted the position as Tea Sommelier at L'Espalier. She will be in charge of their in-house tea program which would include brewing new and exotic teas, cooking with tea, creating tea-infused cocktails and pairing teas with cheese, or desserts.

Lucky for L'Espalier, Cynthia Gold is also a chef, so her combined knowledge of tea and food will really take this part of the restaurant to the next level.

How great would it be to come in on any given afternoon for some cheese and tea? Apparently, their Gloucester Street Blend pairs beautifully with any of their pungent cheeses...something to keep in mind:)

Whether you go just to relax with a drink or a bite in the lounge, or the whole nine yards in courses, I can assure you that from the minute you walk in the door, to the second you leave, you will have a quality experience. Apart from the culinary artistry applied by Chef-Owner Frank McClelland, the staff themselves have been at the establishment for the past 30 years. Their loyalty and passion for all that goes on at L'Espalier is clear in everything they do. It is this that makes it so special and such a long thriving gem in Boston's restaurant scene. Just remember that there is no reason to be intimidated by this restaurant and with Cynthia Gold and her bright future, the team at L'Espalier continues to flourish in Boston!

Eat Frites!

2012-01-19T12:01:00.000-08:00

About a year has gone by since Boston's first true Belgian Frites shop, Saus, has been in business. This means that it has taken me just as much time to finally get myself over to its niche in the Faneuil Hall area...embarassing...I know. But hey - better late than never:)

I must admit up front that if it wasn't for the combined forces of some other keen food bloggers, most notably Jacki and Meesh of justaddcheese.

Our group was intended to be a little bigger, but January tends to be a month of awful colds and so it ended up just be the three of us...no worries, we definitely had a handle on the situation!

Saus takes up a small store front on the stretch of Union street facing Government Center. Amidst many historical pubs, it is a simple but thoroughly clever concept...their menu focuses on classic Belgian street food like Frites (what we would normally call 'french fries', which in fact have nothing to do with the French...contrary to popular belief!) and waffles.

We started off with a poutine. As a Canadian, I have very rigid expectations. This poutine had all the right components; the cheese curd, the salty/peppery gravy, nice and crispy fries....unfortunately, our poutine came practically drowning in gravy, and so, despite their valiant effort, the fries had to succumb to their soggy fate.

We also ordered a batch of their regular fries and it was just as well, because we needed reinforcements for the poutine..but more importantly, we needed a plain batch with which to try some of their dipping sauces...an important part of their claim to fame!

We tried their 'Ole Chipotle', a homemade mayo spiced with jalapenos, (this one was my favorite), their Bacon-Parm (I could have done with more bacon...just a personal preference:), the Bost-onion (creamy onion mayo - also very good!) and their Andalouse.

Saus has recently expanded to 'Frikandel', which refers to a minced- meat or 'burger' sausage, very popular as a snack on-the-go in Belgian. We tried their 'Speciaal' - curry ketchup, mayo and chopped onions. This is your Belgian standard. It was quite good, the burger sausage was really impressive as it was slightly crisp on the outside and crumbly and tasty on the inside - a very pleasant surprise!

However the real winner for me was their Spicy Frikandel - Ole chipotle sauce and house-pickled jalapenos to which I added regular house-made pickles. I LOVED the crunch from the pickles and the kick from the jalapenos. The creamy Ole Chipotle sauce was also a great compliment as it allowed everything to meld together in delicious harmony!

Although we were sufficiently stuffed, we could not leave without trying one of their 'Liege' Waffles, baked with pearls of sugar inside. The recipe itself was created by Shira Melen, the pastry sous-chef from Sofra Bakery. Fresh off of the iron, this baby was crisp on the outside (I am sensing a trend here!) and moist and light on the inside. Every now and then you would get a crunch of sugar that would really send your taste buds in a whirl.

Following their saus-y theme, you can select from different sauces, we went for their homemade nutella and salted caramel - both of which were quite delicious.

For a cold winter day, frites and waffles are the perfect comfort food. Just having these few well executed items would be a home run, however better is yet to come! Starting this Monday, they will add a whole slew of sandwiches, salads and snacks to their menu...looks like I need to plan another trip...hopefully it won't be a year from now!

No better way to heat things up than with a burrito competition!

2012-01-16T17:26:00.000-08:00

For the second year in a row, Poe's Rattlesnake Kitchen and Bar will host the Burrito Bowl event. On the 4th of February, when the winter blues will no doubt have started to settle in around us, Chef Brian Poe will gather some of Boston's greatest culinary talents under one roof to put their burrito making capacities to the test.

From 1-4, the chefs will be presenting their very own burrito creations inspired by their favorite NFL team, all in honor of the Super Bowl XLVI. Creations will be served in 'bowl style' and attendees along with guests 'referees' will decide who takes the title the contest.

Here is the poster from the press release:

Not a bad line up eh?

If you think you have what it takes to stomach the genius these guys will bring to the field, get yourself a ticket now because this event will sell out fast. With tickets priced at 15 dollars...it's my kind of Super Bowl!

Hungry for lunch? Head to Foumami for some Pan-asian Flair:)

2012-01-12T05:06:00.000-08:00

What to have for lunch...it is something many people think about as soon as breakfast is over..I know I do!

Lucky for those who work in the Financial District, there are many places that serve breakfast and lunch specifically. Most options fall under the 'healthy, fast food' concept that has really taken off in the past few years.

On the corner of High and Oliver St., Chef/Owner Michael Wang has taken this concept to the next level with Foumami, an Asian Sandwich Bar. At Foumami, you can experience a world of flavor and innovation stemming from Michael's roots in Chinese cuisine. From delicious sandwiches to salads and rice bowls, you really can't go wrong. On Tuesday, the last day before we began rehearsals for our winter/spring season at the Boston Ballet, I was able to get myself over to try out the menu - and I was pleasantly blown away:)

Foumami is a great space, open and inviting. I went a little after the lunch rush and it is just as well, apparently there is quite a line that keeps up during the day...and small wonder why!

Amidst a menu full of tantalizing sandwiches and salads as well as daily soup specials, my companion (who thankfully knows the menu quite well) and I decided on two different salads and sandwiches. I also ordered a hot Ginger tea, brewed with fresh ginger shoots. It was probably the most delicious and soothing beverage I have had in a long while.

The first is their Sprouts and Tofu salad, full of crisp and juicy romaine lettuce, spinach, bean sprouts, flash-fried tofu, seared-steamed chicken, kirby cucumber, red radish, cilantro and a sweet and tangy mustard vinaigrette. My first bite of Foumami, even with something as simple as a salad, was delightful!

The second salad was their Wasabi Caesar. I admit I was tentative at first, simply because I was unsure how the wasabi would be used in the dressing. Chef Michael has managed however to strike a fine balance between all the ingredients. The wasabi is beautifully incorporated, allowing for a hint of the hotness, while still allowing the vegetables to remain refreshing. I could not get enough!

Sandwiches are made on their house-baked Shao Bing bread which is baked fresh every day on site and truly sets Foumami apart. Crisp and flaky on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside, I could have eaten a fair amount just on its own! Add a grilled Rib-eye steak with garlic-soy marinade and sauteed onions and you have yourself a Champ!

The Rib-eye sandwich is slightly sweet, but the heat is turned up in their Spicy Pork Loin. Now when an Asian eatery declares something as 'spicy', it is within your best interest to believe it. This sandwich, complete with kirby cucumber and seasoned carrots, has quite a kick. The spiciness stopped short of being too spicy however and in fact took on the same addictive quality normally associated with salt;)

The salads and sandwiches had already impressed enough, however it was what ended our meal that really blew me out of the water. This summer in Singapore, I was introduced to one of their popular desserts - Ice Kachang. When I saw it on Michael's menu, I knew this place was a gem. Although not a popular item in the cold winter, Michael offered to make a couple especially for us - and during the entire five minutes it took me to devour mine (ok...so maybe a got a little brain freeze), I felt like I was back in Asia. The contrast of flavors and textures from the sweetened condensed milk poured over the shaved ice, the fresh mango and clementines, mochi and of course, red bean is pure genius.

When summer comes around, I think this 'piece de resistance' will really take off. By this time, Foumami will most likely be the hottest place to grab lunch downtown. With Michael's drive and business savvy, I am secretly (and very openly) hoping for another location a little nearer to the Back Bay area...what I wouldn't do for a quick Shaved ice treat or an inspired sandwich during a long day of rehearsals...

Saved by a Lamington

2012-01-06T17:43:00.000-08:00

This past week, it seemed the city of Boston had made a New Year's Resolution to freeze everyone. When it gets that cold out, there are few things that make me feel better...I know, I know...I am Canadian - so shouldn't I be used to the cold!? Well, the answer is NO - I really have a bad relationship with it.

Luckily, one thing that makes me feel better is a big bowl of Pho, which, my friend and I found tucked away in Chinatown. The speedy service traditional in most Vietnamese restaurants did not allow us enough time to catch up and my friend, who happens to be Australian and who had another fellow Aussie in tow, had the brilliant idea to check out KO Catering and Pies - Boston's one and only Australian food shop specializing in meat pies.

With this new mission, entailing hot meaty pies at the end, suddenly the cold became all that more bearable. Bearable that is, until halfway through our quest (for some unfathomable reason we decided to walk...), I got an emergency tweet saying that KO was actually closed and would reopen the next day. Upon receiving this news, I was perhaps not the most gracious guide.

Seeing as we were half way there, we decided to at least get a good look of the place, maybe snap a sad pic and then head to a bar along Broadway in South Boston.

Something in my companion's blood must have told him this would be worth it...and it was. With a stroke of luck and a bit of Australian spirit, KO was closed to the public, but still full of a bustling team, getting ready to open its doors after its holiday hiatus.

Baby - it was Pie Time!

Once our faces had thawed enough to allow for talking, Sam, the owner and genius behind KO, graciously invited us to sit down and enjoy a cup of steaming hot tea - It saved me!

Just getting ready to re-open the following day, there were no fresh pies, but their freezer full of the frozen ones you can purchase for between 5 and 6 dollars to defrost and enjoy at home.

They did however, have some freshly made 'Lamingtons', a curious cube covered in what looked like toasted coconut. I had never heard or seen such a thing, but my two companions were all in a dither the moment Sam brought them out. So what is a Lamington you ask? (Much as did I at the time) Well, they are simply pieces of yellow cake smothered in chocolate and then coated with coconut. So simple, and yet soooo delicious.

They went down an absolute treat with the tea! It felt as though we had just stopped by our neighbor's home for a little chat, a little reminisce over the land Down Under. It was so interesting!

Australia has always been a place I would love to visit, but it is quite far away. With KO Catering and Pies offering up fresh and assorted meat pies (when they are officially open of course!) and many other traditional Australian accoutrements, aka Lamingtons, Tim Tams and Vegemite, at least I know I can swing by for the real deal - which I will certainly do soon!

Presenting the Foodista Archives!

2012-01-04T20:03:00.000-08:00

I am very proud to announce my new 'Foodista Archives' page, just launched yesterday. This page (which can be found along the line of tabs near the top of the site), lists all the restaurants and eateries I want to try out as well as many of the restaurants I have knocked off my list already.

The restaurants with one * represent my 'to-eat at' list while the ** signals a spot I have already experienced and indeed, one I have written about. By clicking on a * restaurant, you will be directed to the restaurant's homepage and by clicking on a restaurant with **, you will be redirected to the post I published about my experience. (Don't worry though, I always include a restaurant's website link in any post I write!)

I have high hopes for this list, I think it will serve as a very concrete reminder of just how much work I have cut out for me this year! If you have any suggestions of places that are not on the list, please, please, please send them my way either by commenting on this post, or by emailing me at rachel@frugalfoodista.com

Not your Average Strip Joint :)

2012-01-02T19:47:00.000-08:00

I have never been much good at sticking to my New Year's resolutions - but I am not one either to give up on the notion.

This year, I have decided to incorporate my blog into my NY resolution....this year, 2012, I will try to get to as many of the places on my ever-growing list of food spots as possible.

We are off to a good start in 2012 with a great little gem, located off the beaten path in Watertown. This gem is named Strip T's and is a peculiar spot I only heard about through SEgallows' recent tweets.

Generally, any restaurant recommended by a a solid restauranteur in the South End is a spot worth trying and I somehow managed to get Strip T's on my list and checked off within 24hours. (Why not get that momentum going from day one!? )

After a few confused text messages from my partners in crime trying to figure out why on earth I would want to go to a strip joint in Watertown, three of us found ourselves seated in a small, understated sit-down area in Strip T's on School St.

What first appears to be underwhelming, soon turns into a deliciously surprising adventure and it is not wonder why this place has 25 strong years under its belt and is still counting! Everything but the food is no frills, but there is no need to direct attention to decor when the food is so solid. The staff are professional and friendly, having come from impressive backgrounds such as stints at Craigie on Main, and the service was executed with attention and personalism. We ordered a slew of appetizers and a few entrees and each was thoroughly enjoyed.

Up first and pictured above was their Pig's Head Toast, served warm and tender with a creamy aioli and a satisfying crunch from freshly sliced radish.

Next we had their Japanese Eggplant Banh Mi, a traditional Vietnamese-style sandwich with crispy tofu, pickles and cilantro between crusty baguette. I thought a bit more accent from a sweet or spicy/sweet sauce would have brought the whole thing together, but even so, the Banh Mi was light and fresh.

I was nervous to order the Poutine, being Canadian, I am always tentative and usually disappointed. Strip T's poutine was on the verge of success with deliciously cooked and seasoned fries and a sweet and salty gravy. As usual, it is with the cheese that true success goes amiss. In traditional poutine, cheese curd is a necessity, and although Strip T's did indeed use cheese curd, they applied large cubes of it as opposed to smaller irregular ones...it was delicious, but did not meld together as poutines of my youth did. Still, a valiant and comparably acceptable attempt.

Among the appetizers that were so delicious I failed to get a picture before half of the dish was gone, were the Moxie sauced Chicken Wings (Sooo sweet, tangy and a tad spicy delicious!) and the charred (not fried!) baby octopus.

For entrees, we ordered their Grilled Skirt Steak topped with chimichurri, served over a bed of crunchy watercress, pickled peppers and fingerling potatoes. As many restaurants begin to fall short when it comes to entrees, Strip T's quite excelled. The steak was cut and cooked to a perfect medium rare. The sauce was an interesting choice but matched the presentation and bite of the pickled peppers. This dish was very well done and aesthetically pleasing with dashes of colour surrounding the pretty pink meat.

We were lucky enough to snag the last Rainbow Trout, served broiled and splayed with hen of the woods mushrooms (a nice, meaty contrast to the light fish), creamy roasted chestnut and jasmine rice. The dish was interesting and quite different from the steak, however the fish would have been more enjoyable had it been free of little bones:)

From Vietnamese dishes to American-Mexican and dishes with Japanese accents, Strip T's Chicken and Waffles is a true testimony to the eclectic mastery of Chef Tim (alumni of David Chang's Restaurant Group). A staple in Southern cuisine, Chef Tim serves his Buttermilk Fried Chicken with kale and a choice of grits of waffles (the latter...duh!). The chicken itself is delicious, not too heavily breaded and somehow maintaining a juiciness to write about, once everything is soaked in maple syrup, the bitterness of the kale cuts in as a mark of pure and simple genius!

Although we were quite stuffed (not surprising), the kitchen team brought us out some of their pine nut and lavender brittle. This dessert is light and tasty, the intention is both clear and subtle - each bit somehow manages to go through layers of flavoring.

From the start to the finish, this 'sirloin strip' joint will have you pleasantly surprised and incredibly satisfied. Too bad it is out in watertown, the South End would die for a place like this - modest, true and an exceptional price to quality ratio.

Here's to hoping this foreshadows a year of culinary discoveries like this!

Follow The Honey to Crema!

2011-12-30T17:06:00.000-08:00

After a period of worrying about being alone for the Holidays, I ended up with visits from both one of my younger sisters and my mother. It is always so nice to have your family around, especially when you can show them some of your favorite spots, or explore some place new!

On Wednesday, my mother and her friend's last day in Boston, I decided to take them on a little tour of the Harvard part of Cambridge and we got to explore both old and new:)

We first ventured into one of Greater Boston's newest novelty stores, Follow The Honey. And what might this novelty store novel in? Well, ok, so it's obvious, but the sheer range of products, gizmos and treats that are on display in this tiny little ground level store on Mass Ave is remarkable.

Of course, they have an endless collection of honeys, both local and exotic. Luckily, they also have a tasting bar where you can sample any product you are curious of...which for me was many! I tried some delicious whipped bumbleberry honey, some 'gritty' honey collected from rare killer bees, and of course, I had to sample their pungent truffle oil honey - my mother was not as enthused...but hey, it's an acquired taste!

The way the store is organized is part of what gives this place its quality and charm. It is organized in a homely, cottage-like way with vintage furniture displaying things from specialty honey, to honey infused spreads, honey beauty products, books and more.

In one cupboard, I found some of their unique honey spreads, from a chocolatey-honey spread (like Nutella...but maybe better!?) and the whipped bumbleberry honey that I sampled. Things like this are so versatile and can be used in teas, on toast, over ice cream...or on their own:)

Some of my favorite items were held in a cabinet of cubby holes; honey inspired mints, throat lozenges and simple but genius sticks of honey for a sweet snack on-the-go. And yes, that is a bee-hive inspired tie you spy;)

Other novelties within the novelty would be the self-serve honey tap set up in the back and a little mini fridge with a small but specialized selection of cheeses.

The staff are also just about as sweet as the product they peddle, walking into Follow The Honey is indeed like finding a little pot of sweet gold at the end of...well an avenue:)

After our stint in the hive, I brought my guests into the square where, defeated by the powerfully chilly winds, our ambling brought us to refuge at Cream Cafe, a favorite espresso hub for students and residents of the Square. I have always wanted to try it because it receives rave support from my fellow food bloggers.

On a cold day, it is a busy place, but we were lucky enough to snag three spots at their espresso bar and despite the little slips in the specifications of our order, once we were all set up, it became a great rest stop.

I am always happy to show off parts of Boston to visitors and I am even more happy when I end up finding a new gem. Follow The Honey will be revisited..and with Harvard Square just round the corner, a nice little excursion is easily justified...with or without out-of-town visitors!

Dazzled at The Bristol Lounge

2011-12-27T10:31:00.000-08:00

Being away from my family and not able to go home for the holidays, I was worried that I may be spending this Christmas on the lonely side. Fortunately however, I managed to pry one of my sisters away from home in Toronto and she came to spend a solid few days here with me:)

Of course, after boasting about all that Boston had to offer, I could not afford to disappoint! Having a food blog certainly lays on a bit of pressure! Lucky for me, I had just the treat to introduce Rosie to a solid food scene in Boston - The Bristol Lounge located across the Boston Commons in the Four Seasons Hotel.

As it turned out, this was in fact the only meal we ended up eating out - all others were spread out among various different homecooked dinners and holidays parties.

Before heading to the restaurant, we had to make a pit stop at the complimentary beverage station offered by the Hotel...with our faces practically frozen solid, this was much appreciated!

Now before I get started, I must admit that part of what made this Christmas Eve breakfast so special, was that it was a prize I had won earlier this year through a Twitter contest. So the whole thing was orchestrated as though we were VIP and with pricing not being an issue, my sibling was easily impressed:)

I started off with a deliciously creamy soy latte made with freshly ground Illy coffee. It was essential after such a freezing trek over.

As suggested by The Bristol Lounge themselves, (and other guests of the restaurant), we ordered their Lemon Ricotta hot cakes. They come drizzled in a plum sauce with plump blackberries and candied lemon rind as a garnish.

It is essentially a pancake, but made with ricotta cheese, so apparently it is much healthier than your average pancake. The inside is gooey and delicious with a subtle taste of lemon.

We also ordered a side of fruit and the two together made for a perfectly fresh, zesty and very tasty start.

The next item we ordered was their famous lobster Eggs Benedict. We felt especially spoiled with this entree as it was not listed on their menu...but the Chef made it up special just for us!

And lucky he did too, the lobster meat was succulent and topped with two poached clouds...or I suppose they technically are called eggs.

It was served with a half of an avocado, breakfast potatoes (which I could have done with more of they were so yummy), a roasted tomato and this tangy-sweet corn salsa. The Bristol Lounge managed to make this dish, which, traditionally is quite heavy, go down a treat:)

After our meal, with our bellies and eyes quite satisfied, we couldn't help but ask for a picture in front of their amazing Christmas tree. At first glimpse, I thought it was just a very large, very decorated tree....

But upon closer examination, I found it to be a gigantic tree made of all different sized Teddy bears!

Rumour has it that they even had a Teddy Bear Mascot ramping around a couple days earlier...too bad we missed that!

This first initiation into Boston was a perfect treat for my sister, she was thrilled with everything from the minute we walked in. Being a prize winner certainly helps as we were taken care of with such attention that we felt as though we were the only ones in the whole restaurant! This is no easy feat as the BL is always booked when it comes to Holiday weekends...with the spot on service and food, it is no wonder why!

A Christmas Alert

2011-12-23T08:38:00.000-08:00

It is very difficult to get into the 'Holiday Spirit' when it is practically tropical outside.. I realised yesterday that most of my gift shopping is not done and the reason I have felt little to no pressure is largely that Christmas feels at least a month away...surprise! It is the day after tomorrow, making matters even more pressing is the fact that many of my friends are off home for a quick Merry trip home so I need to get them their gifts tomorrow!

At least there are reminders around me in terms of festive culinary specials...Eggnog Lattes from your local coffee shop are always a plus, as are gingerbread truffles conveniently available throughout the holiday season from Godiva...Yumm! (If you have not picked up your free truffle, there is still time this month to sign up as a Rewards member :) ) Oh and the overwhelming presence of gingebread house making kits from Whole Foods and Trader Joes. (Note to self - must pick one up for Sunday festivities!!)

So there is really no excuse for me to be so behind on my holiday shopping.

I hope most of you have not let the weather keep you in a strange no man's land in terms of seasonal orientation. If it has, let this be a reminder to you! A mayday of sorts to get out and finish up what's left..or at the very least, indulge in some Holiday treats!

And with that, I wish you a very Merry Christmas:)

When blogging and publishing collide

2011-12-18T15:49:00.000-08:00

As some of you may know, Boston Brunchers is a group of avid bloggers who get together about once a month to try out different brunching hot spots. I have been lucky enough to attend quite a few of these brunches and over the past year, it has grown both in number and in reach. From more traditional brunches like last weekend's excursion to Temple Bar to bottomless brunches like the one we enjoyed at Local 149, the Brunchers have expanded going to see the Boston Ballet, hopping aboard the Odyssey and just last Sunday, a group of us were invited into the headquarters of the Harvard Common Press - a leading publisher of Cookbooks across America.

This was an extra special treat as what goes on within this warehouse on Albany street is not something you can just walk into. For our visit, they had prepared a couple of cocktails, and some great treats from various of their published cookbooks.

Their festive Cranberry Punch from edible Rhody was sweet and delicious...and dangerous:)

A series of baked goods, like their Raspberry-cream cheese coffee cake (A Real American Breakfast) and some delicious spinach and cheese casserole waited for us as well and it was so nice to see the recipes and origins of each item displayed.

The folks at Harvard Common Press had really done things up for us, they even finished decorating their beautiful workplace with authentic Mexican woven carpets and figures..something which apparently had been a project in the making for a while:)

We all filled our plates and were taken to an adjacent room which actually serves as Bruce's wife's art studio. There was a big group of us, and I got to meet many new blogging faces.

That is another thing I so enjoy about these events, putting faces to blog names and twitter handles...

What was most interesting for me however, was what came next - which was a discussion led by Adam on the future of bloggers in the cookbook, publishing world. There is a huge place for some of these talented and enthusiastic writers and the discussion that followed was on of innovation and inspiration.

As my blog does not focus on recipes (I would never subject anyone to my cooking...), this discussion did not readily apply to me, but it was still interesting to see the inter-connectivity between the publishing world and the work my fellow bloggers put into their sites and creative archives.

After a stimulating morning of yummy treats and intellectual banter, we all went our separate ways. However, I am fairly sure we were all renewed with a sense of community, an appreciation of the family we have found through Boston Brunchers and the potential to really build something special.

I myself am proud to be a part of such a great group and am already looking forward to the great collaborations we are likely to see as the publishing and blogging worlds collide.

Smoked Meats and Southern Treats!

2011-12-14T18:15:00.000-08:00

Boston's food scene has been an exciting place of late with an impressive number of celebrity chefs bunking down with top chef positions or their very own visions of what's needed next. From Jason Santos and Blue Inc. to Jaime Bisonnette's head honcho position at both Coppa and Toro, all areas of Boston are flourishing.

Just a couple of weeks ago, Tiffani Faison, who placed second during the first season of Top Chef, opened her first ever solo restaurant project in Fenway: Sweet Cheeks. Hers' is a challenging concept in Boston - traditional, Texan BBQ, focusing on smoked meat and all the usual accompaniements. When you think about it..there is definitely a lack of good ol' southern food up in here.

I was a bit nervous heading into the restaurant this past Tuesday because there had been so much hype around this opening...that's what you get when a celebrity chef opens a restaurant! However, once I stepped inside and was met by the smell of sweet and smoking meats, I somehow knew I would not be disappointed.

The interior layout does justice to the laid back, casual feel of any true smokehouse. A bar on the left is mirrored by an open kitchen to the right where Chef Faison herself can be seen bustling around setting orders straight. The restroom can be found at the end of make shift hallway lined with old and empty giant tin cans.

My friends and I plopped down pretty quickly and ordered some drinks. I did not order any of their cocktails...but I did go for a 'sprecher's' ginger beer which - at 5 dollars - was a bit pricey, but once placed in a big mason jar full of ice really is a perfect libation:)

As far as food goes, first thing is first....order a bucket of Buttermilk Biscuits served with honey butter. These arrived an followed shortly by the most tantalizing smell. The biscuits were gargantuan and although 4 for ten dollars made for a good deal, I think it would be better to price them individually...I shudder to think how many of these beauties get tossed...

As for the meat, there are a couple ways you can navigate the menu. I would opt for the meat by weight option. At 19 dollars a pound, you can order by the quarter lb. My friends and I ordered a 1/4 lb. of each type of meat: Great Northern brisket, Berkshire pork belly, Berkshire pulled pork and pulled chicken. Everything comes served in delightful tin trays and the meat is served alongside traditional fixings..aka white bread, pickles and onions. The meats were all delicious, so tasty and tender - they must have been smoked with gentle, tender, loving care for days! (then again, they probably are!)

Sides must also be considered and one cannot (and should not) resist fried temptations such as the Fried Green tomatoes and Okra. We also ordered their mac and cheese and coleslaw (you know...for some vegetables...) The latter two did not show up at the table however, having been forgotten by our waitress. This actually ended up being a blessing as we found we could not have done them justice anyways!

We decided to skip dessert - no matter how tempting the Giant nutter butter looked, I could not even begin to image getting through it without ice cream...something they unfortunately did not have on the menu or in some secret nook of the kitchen.

In the end, despite the little slips of memory and menu shortcomings, what we did have was absolutely incredible. We finished our meal feeling full and warm, ready to venture back into the cold outdoors...

Although I did see a couple gallant young fellows test their post-Sweet Cheeks selves on this ominous contraption...my friends and I steered clear of it - no need to associate such a delicious experience with any degree of moderation:)

I am already very much looking forward to my next visit...lucky for me, I also have some leftovers in my fridge at this very moment...second dinner anyone?

Above Par at Temple Bar!

2011-12-11T12:04:00.000-08:00

Temple Bar, located at 1688 Mass Ave in between Harvard and Porter Square, is a spot known for its bar and drinks scene this side of the river. It's little wonder then, that it's brunch is not as well known. However! What is not well known does not mean not well done, and I am very happy to say that brunch at Temple Bar is worth the mid-morning trip.

After a brief hiatus in gatherings, the Boston Brunchers gathered for the first December brunch event. (The second as it so happened...was the very next day!) Meeting up at 11 oclock, we had a great long table and it did not take too long before all the hungry brunchers had assembled.

I always show up with an appetite and it is such a pleasure (and a relief!) to see some little tid -bites waiting for us. Temple Bar had some deliciously moist banana bread and some slightly less impressive double chocolate muffins. I ordered a latte, and it came out hot and rich using LavAzza coffee..just the way I like it! It even came with a little cookie - I was already feeling quite settled.

What I noticed right off the bat was the attentiveness of the staff. Little details that usually go unwonted like extra plates appearing out of thing air just when you need them, empty plates and cups being cleared with a flourish and detailed answers to any questions. (And believe me...as a group, we ask some pretty specific questions!)

Unusually for me, I had my choice picked well in advance -the Cheddar-bacon Biscuit with house-made maple-sage sausage and eggs. This dish had jumped out at me right from the start - this not meaning that the other dishes were not tantalizing as well - but I just have a thing for buttery biscuits:) As can be gathered by the picture.. this guy really did the job. It came out piled high (but not impossibly high) with delicious scrambled eggs, thick juicy and slightly spicy sausage, just the right amount of cheese all between a hot buiscuit . The latter was special in that it was embedded with cheddar and bits of bacon...oh and a pot of red jalapeno relish was served as an accompaniement...on the road to Temple Bar yet?

It was delicious.

The home fries were also a hit, crispy and seasoned just right. I also got to try some of the 'Croque' Eggs Benedict as well as the steak and eggs. Everything was executed with a masterful balance of stodge and finesse...how is that even possible?

Oh - and the prices were right too. My dish, which I could not finish and now have enough for another meal in my fridge, was only 10 dollars! The most expensive thing was the steak and eggs and this came out to 16 dollars as well.

After all this eating, the pastry chef surprised us further with an array of desserts. You know how I like my sweets...we tried their cranberry orange cake..

Their caramel cardamon creme brulee, which reminded me of a delicious Chai Latte...

My personal favorite was the pumpkin pudding trifle. I said and will quote myself, ' I would go back just for the desserts'.

So if this is not a success story I do not know what is. A place I was interested in for later in the evening is now one I would consider for earlier on in the day...there is nothing like being blown away before your day has even begun!

A five course dessert tasting....my favorite kind:)

2011-12-06T19:53:00.000-08:00

Breakfast for dinner is always fun...but what about dessert for dinner? And then more dessert for dessert?

Some may think it is too much, but with Chef Nicole Coady's expertise, Finale's Festive Holiday Dessert Sampling, it is manageable and enjoyable, taste after taste.

Finale holds a few of these samplers every year and this is the first one I have made it to. Starting at 6:30 pm, it runs about and 90 minutes. My fellow sweet tooth buddy, @patrickyocum, arrived straight from the studios a little early...and impatient to begin eating...It did not take us long to order up their cheese platter...

As well as their Seasonal Cornucopia as well...although it made sense to get some savory to start, I can't quite justify the additional dessert sampler..but I am sooo glad we did because where the cheese platter was slightly underwhelming, (only the robust Roquefort really held my attention), this dessert sampler really got us on the right track.

The item to the far right is the Raspberry and blackberry cobbler, loaded with delicious berries and a chewy, absorbent crumble and covered in a vanilla gelato. This dish was sublime. In the middle, the Caramel Nut Bar is a decadent take on a layer bar with assorted nuts, caramel and dark chocolate. To the left we have the apricot, cherry bread pudding which for me could have been slightly more moist.

The event had not event started and I am already impressed...and craving more:)

Each table was set up with five little glasses atop their paired dessert item.

The desserts came presented with Finale's usual flare - little details adorn every piece making even the miniature tastes, works of art.

On the menu for this time of year were:

Apple Cranberry Crumble- this crumble fared as well as the first, it would of course have been even better with a scoop of that vanilla gelato:)

Pineapple Upside Down Cake - a deliciously moist sponge cake with a thin slice of pineapple and a bit of spiced gingerbread. Surprisingly, I loved this simple bite very much, as they say, subtlety is key!

Pumpkin Cheesecake - a crowd pleaser for sure, this cheesecake is characteristic of Finale's original: somehow light and creamy at the same time. The pumpkin taste stands out as not too sweet and is contrasted with just the right amount of spice. It comes adorned with a bit of dark chocolate, giving it added complexity.

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie - A sweet rendition of a Derby Pie, Chef Nicole likes to have the pecans, chocolate and caramel/molasses meld together throughout the pie. The crust is a bit salty - a necessity to cut through some of the sweetness.

Peanut Butter Pie - This was my favorite. It is a very challenging dessert that comes out just right. A Peanut Butter mousse is lighter than expected, but enrobed with a rich and decadent, dark chocolate ganache. There is a middle layer of the stuff, as well as intermittent peanuts for a needed crunch to break up the texture.

Just these desserts alone would have been enough, but the real treat was in the pairings Chef Nicole came up with herself through trials and tribulations (lucky duck!).

A good wine pairing brings out certain flavors while sometimes creating new ones - it is an incredible evolution of taste. Chef was there every step of the way to explain her choices and what we might look out for. She was an enthusiastic and refreshing guide, passionate and attentive - after each little introduction, she came by the different tables and discussed reactions, opinions and questions.

As someone who has been to a fair number of like events, the Dessert Tasting at Finale is orchestrated at just the right pace, with just the right amount of wine and food.

At 20 dollars a person, you embark on a beautiful journey through some of Boston's finest desserts, presented with style and class, all under the expert care of Finale's head honcho.

I am already looking forward to next season's tasting...and so should you!

The name's Bondir...Jason's Bondir

2011-12-03T13:18:00.000-08:00

Located on a remote stretch of Broadway Ave in Cambridge is a culinary delight that will entice from the minute you lay eyes on it right until your next visit..which will surely be not too much thereafter!

Jason Bond's Bondir just celebrated its first year anniversary and they certainly have cause to celebrate. Only open for a year, this 28 seat restaurant has been dubbed 2011's best new restaurant by Boston Magazine - not to mention the other rave reviews that had placed this little hole in the wall at the top of my to-visit list.

On Monday, I finally managed to frequent Bondir and all the waiting was well worth it. Bondir is a top spot and Chef Jason delivers solid, tasty dishes without any presumption.

At Bondir, the menu changes daily, allowing Chef to showcase any of the ingredients he himself has picked up during the day or earlier that week. Our meal started off with one slice of each of their homebaked breads. My favorite was 'The Sea', which was baked with swirls of seaweed, squid ink and speckles of dried shrimp...it was a challenge not to fill up on the bread before the real eating began!

I started with the Roasted Butternut Squash soup, a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. Complexity of flavor was added with the spiced homemade marshmallow, crisp shallots (for a nice crunch) and bee pollen.

My friend had the hand-made burrata served alongside a shaved vegetable salad and spiced beets. This dish was fresh and colorful, although it fell well short of the killer soup.

We could not resist indulging in the Fresh White Alba Truffle shaved over handmade buckwheat cavatelli and raclette. Although the dish arrived in fanfare with the truffles being shaved right in front of your nose (the smell was rich and pungent), the taste of the truffles was a little lost amidst the strong taste of raclette. None of it was spared though!

Conveniently, with all of the dishes, you can opt for a half portion. This way, you can try many things for half the price..and half the stomach space!

Next was the Scituate scallop dish. This was one of my favorites, it was beautifully arranged with a pungent scent of dill wafting up as it was placed in front of you. The scallops were nice and meaty, color and texture was added with bright red pickled cranberries, baby leeks, and a roxburry russet apple. A complicated dish like this is often hard to pull off, but apart from the foam (which was more for visual effect), everything held up nicely.

Chef Jason is known for his skill with pig, he thus had two pork dishes on the menu and to my delight, one was a roasted-pork belly served with beautifully charred brocoli and heirloom keener grits. I especially liked the contrast between the crispy-crisp top and the soft, smooth pork belly. It was delicious!

Last on the savory was the Roasted Tamworth Pork Loin. The meat was tender and sweet, accompaniements were interesting with a honey-braised watermelon radish and red cabbage. This dish is perfect for a cold winter evening. Unfortunately, Monday was a beautiful 60 degrees...Boston temperatures are lagging behind the culinary scene!

To finish, we tried the dark chocolate sorbet, was rich and speckled with strong cocao nibs.

More to the point, we had their Roxbury Russet Apple Trifle. I LOVE trifles and apart from the cup inside a cup which kept sliding around, the layers in this trifle were delightful. A perfect cross over from fall to winter with brown butter genoise, vermouth and vanilla. A scoop of thyme-buttermilk ice cream and a meringue brulee topped it off.

By the time the courses had ceased to arrive, I was very disappointed - not because I did not enjoy them - but rather because all the eating was over...

Bondir was an experience that quite lived up to my expectations. The atmosphere is cosy and warm, the service is likewise - nothing feels pretentious and Jason Bond himself is the epitomy of a humble genius.

Every dish is constructed with thought and intention, this menu will do perfectly in the winter.

I can't wait to go back as seasons change and the menus along with them!

A fine day at 19 Clarendon Street

2011-11-29T20:13:00.000-08:00

There are three things that may strike you as being strange in this picture...first of all, what are these girls doing out and about in that strange garb? Secondly, do I spy 'Free shakes'!? And thirdly, is it or is it not December 1st come Thursday!?

Of the first thing, there is really nothing strange about the attire that dominates this picture seeing as the b.good truck sat right outside the Boston Ballet's headquarters at 19 Clarendon Street during Tuesday's lunch hour. In fact, the entire building is teeming with such leotards, skirts and tights all day long.

The free shakes are easily explained as part of a fabulous initiative to provide delicious milkshakes around Boston. B.good sends out Harvey, their trusted 28-year old ice cream truck to make the mission possible and on this day, he just so happened to respond to the call of the arts!

I can tell you everyone in the building was very excited to hear of Harvey's proximity, marketing were the first on site...shortly followed by me, (of course!) and then various other departments - it is not everyday that you get creamy, frothy, chocolatey goodness handed to you right outside your place of work!

Whereas ballerinas clad in their day to day rehearsal gear and free shakes can only boggle the mind so much, what really gets me is the fact that we are all somehow outside on November 29th, drinking (and very much enjoying) cold shakes, in very light clothing...This is the one thing that leaves me flabbergasted no matter how I look at it.

It may not bode well for the planet...but I can assure you that it certainly made many people's Tuesdays a much more pleasant affair!

A place to seek Refuge in Allston

2011-11-25T15:07:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving has come and gone in a flurry of temperature fluctuations and delicious turkey feasts. I, myself, had a thoroughly great day, spent with friends and..well more friends:) Apples to Apples made an epic comeback and got all of our pre-food coma selves into outrageous debates...I still hold that E.T. is the best match for 'heroic' and that 'Wrecking Balls' are more 'convenient' than the 'invention of the wheel'!

After all of this excitement however, I understand how one might need a little quiet time...a refuge if you will. Lucky for everyone, a vacant space that used to house Allston Cafe is now home to Refuge Cafe. (website coming soon).

Right on the corner of Harvard Ave and Brighton Ave, this little nook has a lot going for it. With an interior that is laid back and modern, we find touches of local charm embedded in the graffiti-like art on the walls and in its logo and on the chalkboard menu.

It has all the amenities of any good, dependable cafe; good coffee, wireless internet, freshly baked goods that are all differently shaped and a good soundtrack.

Refuge Cafe however, has a few things that will come to set it apart from the average run-of-the-mill independent, coffee shop...they have a well-rounded list of loose-leaf teas ranging from caffeinated to caffeine-free, a great menu that boasts items like the Refuge BLT (with A ) and beverages that awaken the kid inside all of us..a cold glass of chocolate milk please? Great sounding vegan and non-vegan ice creams like Peanut Butter mud pie and Twinkie...intrigue anyone waiting to put their order in and their breakfast menu is stocked with the usual staples and sprinkled with delicious sounding pancake specials and is served all day.

As if this weren't enough, as I perused the chalkboards, I also noticed that they offer a selection of locally brewed beer!

This cafe has everything from kid-friendly items to adult taunts...oh and they can actually make good drinks too! So often have I ordered a tea-misto (half boiling water, half steamed milk), and been met with a quizzical look and an even more disappointing drink.

With this cafe located conveniently on my walk to Physical Therapy, I can see myself adding some serious Refuge time into my schedule:)

Legal Harborside - ready for the winter!

2011-11-19T15:01:00.000-08:00

Perhaps you have heard of some of the developments going on around the Seaport area. From the opening of Flour Bakery's third location in Fort Point, the opening of some great restaurants right on the harbor and fresh installements at the ICA, it has turned from a sluggish waterfront area into a destination for tourists and locals alike.

All restaurants have taken advantage of the beautiful views of Boston Harbor with their huge panoramic windows, prime bar seating and interesting menu concepts. Without a doubt, the Seaport was the place to be this summer.

But what of winter? Everyone is asking the same question...what happens when winter comes around and strolls around the harbour are no longer feasible?

(Photo Credit - Chip Nestor)

I myself have been wondering these questions and am very happy to say that at least Legal Harborside has some fresh ideas rolled out to keep people coming even in the depths of winter.

This past week, I took a couple of friends over to check out the fall-on-to-winter scene atop the roofdeck. Any worry was thrown to the winds when I arrived and learned of their updates.

Consistent with the changing weather, the floors are heated as are those patios remaining open for the adventurous romantic. They close off the main patio but the views remain breathtaking...you can now enjoy the gusting winds from the comfort of an indoor sofa...cocktail in hand!

Whereas the roofdeck's summer menu was limited to light snack fare, they are now the first LS location to offer a sushi menu - perfect for a light drink-side snack or as you will bear witness...a full on meal!

(Photo credit - Heath Robbins)

On this particular visit, we were lucky enough to experience a sampling of some of the sushi items and luckier still to have Chef Chris (head chef of the building) walk us through some of the most interesting pieces.

We started with some drinks, ordering our favorite White Sangria, made with St. Germain (go figure!), as well as some of their new, season appropriate additions like their Fall sangria (complete with a crab apple).

Then the sushi started...

We began with a piece de resistance both Chef Chris and Chef Harrold (their in-house sushi genius) are proud of: the Harborside Tempura Roll. It comes as shown above, Lobster head and tail included:) It is a crowd pleaser for sure and with a generous amount of delectable lobster meat, avocado, tobiko, house-made teriyaki sauce and spicy mayonaise...it certainly pleases the appetite as well:)

(Just another angle...couldn't hurt!)

We were then presented with their 'small' boat...which really is no small serving:) It comes with 48 pieces of a variety of sashimi, three hand rolls and other rolls, all of the chef's choosing.

My favorite was the shrimp tempura roll with the same sweet teriyaki sauce, the red dragon, which was a spicy tuna roll topped with more delicious tuna, tempura flakes and wasabi mayo, but even their no frills tuna maki were delicious... (can you tell I like my tuna?).

Although I pride myself on eating copious amounts of food, this sushi boat defeated me...I tried my best to finish it off, but alas, a couple stray makis were left behind! It would however make for a perfect sampler for a group...hint hint:)

What I can say with no doubt in my mind however, is that Legal Harborside has assured themselves a clear following year round. Who wouldn't want to experience the thrill of being so close to the water at a time when winds pick up and temperatures drop? The view will indeed become even more amazing once the snow comes in and covers bits of the Harbor.

I myself cannot wait for the next opportunity to return, whether it be to try the other floors....with a casual dining and raw bar on the first floor which sings an ode to the original Legal Seafoods fish market established in Inman Square, or the fine dining by candlelight served on the second floor it becomes impossibly difficult to stay away!

Returns to the Roof deck however are already in full swing....

(Keep your eyes and ears open for their New Year's party...it is going to be spectacular! With a rumored ice statue serving as a pseudo raw bar...how could it not be!?

A pop-up with a mission that'll stick

2011-11-16T21:50:00.000-08:00

Pop-up restaurants are a concept that have been recently gaining in popularity throughout North America. Following tradition (ahem Food Trucks), Boston has been a little slow on the uptake...

Thankfully though, a crew of young entrepeneurs and food enthusiasts have made an important step towards kickstarting a veritable foodie trend.

About four months ago, the guys behind Dore Creperie thought it was high time that someone popped up in an empty spot at 1 Beacon street. What better way to make a presence than by being the first ever pop-up crêpe shop in Boston? The concept is simple enough, pick an idea that people will find both intriguing and familiar, and fill your work place with an open-minded atmosphere where anything feels possible.

Last Saturday, I was fortunate enough to experience their genius and enthusiasm first hand at one of their Crêpe classes. These were a part of Dore Creperie's mission and purpose - to spread the word on the feasibility of pop-ups and the food business in general. It doesn't always take a huge sum of money and a team of fancy backers and interior designers to get something like this up and running.

The class started with a brief introduction to crêpes, a food stuff dating back to ancient Roman civilization, and their inspiration behind the pop-up. I was impressed to see that at no point throughout the lesson was there a crêpe-void...they always had something tasty on the griddle. Above we have a crêpe with raspberry compote, goat cheese and walnuts:)

We were then put into two groups, the class being about 8 people strong. Four of us started with a lesson in making batter - a simple enough procedure that I (with my fairly basic cooking skills) may even try out at home.

Then we headed to the griddles for the real fun!

There were no intimidating tutorials, it was pretty much grab and go! The toughest decision was whether I wanted to make a sweet or savory creation...

In the end I went with savory ( I figured there would be enough sweet to follow!). I made a delicious concoction (if I do say so myself:) ): a savory crêpe filled with prosciutto di parma, bacon (couldn"t resist), blue cheese, spinach and pesto...it was really a fab combo.

One of the things I love about these classes is that you inevitably end up meeting some great people who share at least one interest with you. In this class, we decided to share our creations and so I also got to try a buffalo chicken, blue cheese and celery crêpe, as well as a pretty interesting sweet creation from Holly.

I was happy to have picked a savory crêpe to begin with because shortly thereafter, Vilas, one of Dore Creperie's creators, made three communal dessert crêpes - upon my request, we tried the S'mores (pictured above),

The Elvis Presley - peanut butter, bacon and bananas...and why not first sautée the bananas and bacon together!? This is an example of the culinary experiments that go on at Dore Creperie!

And finally their Bananas Foster...with a special treat of real rum! I could not stop myself from eating even though I was so full!

In the end, my limit had been reached and we were all quite happy to sit and chat for a little while longer.

I am so happy I got to squeeze in a crêpe class...because the only downfall to a pop-up, is that they eventually move on.

This does not mean to say that Dore Creperie will leave without one final POP! This coming Saturday the 19th, they will be having a free crêpe day to thank everyone for coming in and supporting the project. Stop by 1 Beacon Street anytime between 1 and 3 and you will be rewarded!

Let's hope these guys don't take too long before opening up another Pop-up...the sky is the limit, and I think this is what they are all about!

An evening of fall delights

2011-11-14T21:47:00.000-08:00

The much anticipated, 8th annual Flavors of Fall was held last night from 5:30 to 8:30. It was three hours within which guests could meet prominent chefs from Cambridge and Somerville and their top fall inspired creations. Hosted by Boston Chefs and held in the appeasing space at the The Regattabar, Flavors or Fall was a refreshing link between fabulous food, music and fundraising for future generations.

Upon entry, each person was given a little card with all the restaurant names in order of appearance as well as a detailed description of the dish they would be presenting...it did not take long for me to find my hands full of delicious and inspired fall dishes.

Lucky for me, almost all of the restaurants were on my top-fave list, or else on the very high-priority wish list. Bergamot was the first taste of the evening, a well-braised beef flanken with truffle aioli and crispy focaccia was a nice simple starter. What I loved most about the style of serving, was that dishes were truly sample size, this allowed you to go through one round and comfortably have room for seconds...and in my case...the occasional third:)

There was no set progression and so desserts were intermingled with the savoury items...but that really did not matter to me! This delicious pudding served at the Harvest stand was topped with vanilla creme fraiche and burnt sugar...as well as a subtle dribble of liqueur. It made for a solid two visits.

I was on a keen look out for Area Four's number and Micheal did not disappoint with a delicious Lucky 7 Berkshire farm terrine over crositini with a tart and tangy fall fruit chutney.

The entire event had a really elegant feel, contributing to which was the Rollo Tomasi Quartet that played two great sets throughout. A brief pause was taken to address the organisers as well as the immediate goals of Tutoring Plus, a non-profit organisation that strives to enrich all facets of teenagers' lives in and around Cambridge. It was really nice to see the connecting efforts from the different parties; the guests, the staff from Boston Chefs, Tutoring Plus and of course, the Chefs that all took the hours out of their busy restaurants to show their support.

Continuing my quest around the tables, I came upon Jon Sargent, souus-chef at Catalyst. This dish was one of my absolute favorites, it was a slow-braised brisket over horseradish flan with a crunchy sundried parpella and herb salad as a sweet topping. It was extremely difficult to get a good shot of this little guy, the lighting was quite low...exhibiting great team work and innovation, Jon used the light on his fancy iphone to create a little sun:) I think it came out ok in the end!

One of the most popular desserts came from Sandrine's Bistro. It was a maple creme brulee so creamy and torched just right...unfortunately, they disappeared before we were even at the halfway mark!

Definitely taking the cake for creativity and originality was the team behind Garden at the Cellar. Headed by Brandon Arms (creator of the best burger I have ever tasted), we had here a bit of a science experiment. Brandon somehow managed to simulate the taste, smell and texture of a salted caramel apple using some innovative techniques of molecular gastronomy...these little guys went down a treat, a perfect palate cleanser!

There were of course other highlights, a whole roasted and stuffed pig from Bondir was quite the hit(my friend and food-blogger ally, Holly were awarded the cheek of the pig as it was nearing the end of the evening) and Amanda from Russell House Tavern was serving up the most delectable fried oysters with lime siracha sauce.

To top off the night however, Holly came up with the fabulous idea to merge her chocolate stout (beer provided by Brooklyn Brewery) with J.P Licks ice cream. It was without a doubt, the smoothest finish to a great evening.

It was really great to be a part of the event and even better to see the faces of fellow food bloggers Elizabeth, Megan and Jackie:)

It is truly wonderful to be surrounded by so much culinary talent and enthusiasm!

Flavors of Fall...not gone just yet!

2011-11-11T14:23:00.000-08:00

Many of us are starting to dread the end of fall as the forecast sheds light on dropping temperatures and fabulous high 60 days become less and less commonplace...however, this does not mean that some of what makes fall such a great season will disappear as well!

In fact, the very opposite is true with the upcoming, highly anticipated Flavors of Fall event at The Regattabar located at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square.

This event, in its 8th year, is an opportunity for two things. For one, it is a great way to taste and experience what some of the best chefs from Cambridge and Somerville (two of Boston's richest culinary areas) are offering on their late fall menus. Secondly, it is also a chance to support Tutoring Plus, a cambridge based organisation that benefits young adolescents and students in education, personal and social growth.

Not bad for a Monday night eh?

To serve will be widely known and recognized chefs from places the like of Bondir , Catalyst (both have been on my list for way too long!), Area Four (personal fave) and Bergamot.

There will also be beer brewers, cocktial mixers and ice creamers on hand to satiate other parallels of your appetite...oh and did I mention? As per usual at the Regattabar, some grade A jazz will follow throughout....really it will all be happening at the Regattabar this Monday!

Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the following link:

Buy Tickets

See you there:)

A tribute to Toronto's downtown market

2011-11-08T16:30:00.000-08:00

I am now back in Boston from what was a fabulous ten days spent with my family in Toronto. Although I really did not want to leave, the beautiful weather in TO not helping...I am happy to be back, and the weather here (it was summer again today!) certainly helps!

I thought I would give one last hurrah to my trip in TO. Seeing as farmer's markets are one of my absolute favorite things to visit, espcecially the ones in Boston and New York, I think it is fitting that I do a little tribute to the St. Lawrence Market - Toronto's fabulous indoor market.

The reason I like Farmer's markets so much, is that they are the perfect opportunity to experience first hand, the local flavors, smells, colours and products that are produced locally (or indeed from very foreign markets). At the St. Lawrence Market, you get a refreshing view of what is fresh, in season and also some interesting wares from all over the globe.

Located at the intersection of popular Front Street and Market Street, the Market is mostly indoors On a beautidayul a like this one however, everything is shown under a better light. The best way to enjoy both indoors and outdoors, is to proccur your goods and then snag a picnic table on the patio overlooking some of Downtown Toronto. This is exactly what we did!

We had an assortment of rish, creamy cheese, freshly cut and smoked deli meats, hot out of the oven bagels (drooling yet?) and huge juicy figs ( I bet you are now...).

Let's take a closer look at that cheese....just for texture's sake:)

It's been a while since I have seen a Brie so rich and creamy, it was perfectly ripe!

We brought all of this outside, sat and enjoyed it. This is something so simple, and yet so enjoyable - I would be hard put to find a better way to start any day. Unfortunately, mornings like this are hard to come by, but then again, that's what makes them so special!

I usually remain underwhelmed by Toronto as a city, maybe because I grew up there, or maybe because I usually go when it is freezing and I am exhausted - I usually go after the long Nutcracker run finishes in January...bbbrrrr! I really must say though, that Toronto exceeded my expectations this visit. Of the whole ten days I was there, it rained once and was cold for only a couple days...the rest of my visit consisted of beautiful sunny skies, quite warm temperatures and gorgeous fall colors.

Toronto gets such bad press for being freezing and bleak come this time of year. When it puts on a show like this... everything in the city regains life and vigour...good thing I took my leave before temperatures really plummet though;)

A Super Sweet Deal

2011-11-05T09:26:00.000-07:00

Two-in-one deals are always the best. You pay for one thing and get a second thing along with it. Even better than all of this is when the second part of the deal involves shedding some good and hope upon another. This is exactly the kind of scenario that will be going on between Sweet Cupcakes and the Franklin Park Zoo. The two have teamed up to create a delicious cupcake inspired by Kambiri, one of their baby gorillas.

(photo credit - Robert Klein)

First of all...how cute!? Second of all, it's his first birthday coming up and the new 'Bananas for the Zoo' cupcake, dark chocolate cupcake with banana buttercream frosting and a toasted banana chip (pictured below), was made specifically for this special day.

So what's the first part of the deal? From November 5th through November 11th, 1 dollar from the purchase of any 'Bananas for the Zoo' cupcake will go towards the Zoo New England.

Donating while indulging in a delicious sweet something...seems doubly sweet to me:)

November in Toronto

2011-11-01T15:12:00.000-07:00

Three guesses as to where this picture was taken....

Bet you wouldn't guess Toronto on the 1st of November.

It's true, Boston gets snow, and Canada gets beautiful sunshine:) (on the not so bright side, I think my igloo has melted...)

My sister and I decided to head to the Shops at Don Mills, a recently renovated 'urban city' mall, to enjoy the day.

Even though it was beautiful, only a few people were out taking advantage of the weather. Or maybe that was because it was the middle of the day on a Tuesday...my sister and I scored a day like this without the bustle...two for two!

And what better way to celebrate than with a hot tea misto and a good book? It is so simple, but so plesant, the sun litterally kisses your face. I decided to take a break from my usual Latte from Second Cup (really only to make it that much better the next time I have it:) ). Teopia, a tea shop specialising in rare and premium loose leaf teas makes individual beverages ranging from freshly brewed teas to lattes and smoothies. I decided on a coco caramel tea misto with soy milk. Divinity in a cup!

My sister and I just sat and soaked it all in, I don't think our luck with this weather will last forever.

Home Sweet Home

2011-10-30T09:45:00.000-07:00

Living away from your family and in a different country, you learn to live without certain things. Things you once took for granted you suddenly find are no longer there. This is generally a good thing because you learn to become more independent. However, there are certain little pleasures that are difficult to replace...things like your favorite cup of coffee, and little relics of family travels.

I just recently was given an opporunity to return home for a visit. It's been a while and I am very glad to be reacquainted with my family...but also with a few key elements of Canadian daily living.

One of the most fabulous things is the Second Cup coffee chain. The espresso and coffee brewed in every locally-owned Second Cup is of the highest quality, strong and dark, never over roasted or burnt. Oh and they have the BEST whipped cream..hands down. One of the first things I do upon returning to the homeland is to stop and grab a latte....so satisfying!

Now this does not look like much at all, but this is a prime example of not judging a book by its cover...or a granola bar by its appearance. Here, we have an Island Oat Bar, carried only by Starbucks in certain Canadian provinces. These oat bars are the perfect sweetness, nice and chewy and great as a snack or part of breakfast.

Just yesterday, I dragged my sister on a journey to find one as they were somehow wisked away from me by the people in line right in front of me...at two different locations! Apparently, I am not the only one who is aware of this delicious and un-assuming treat:)

Finally (for the moment anyhow), we have here an assortment of chocolate, not from Canada, but from Australia. My mother had just recently come home from a trip abroad and had brought back from the land Down Under, a good stock of Aussie treats. My favorite are the Milky Bars, just plain white chocolate...oh and the Koalabears, milk chocolate and caramel...sooo tasty. There is something different with the Cadbury chocolate from across the globe...it is just so much better than anything you get in North America...

Now, although these are just three little things that I really miss from Canada, they make a huge difference when you need a little pick me up.
There is also something more added in them that I like to call nostalgia...ah childhood memories:)

Posts will follow with my trip to the St. Lawrence Market and other such torontonian escapades - stay tuned!

Brithday celebrations:)

2011-10-26T12:59:00.000-07:00

Birthdays are very special...sure, everyone has one and one person's day is usually about a billion other people's as well...but this is not to say that one should not take full advantage of the opportunity to celebrate with friends, family and some good food and drink!

I started my celebrations on Saturday with a great hair cut from G20 Salon to freshen up and then met up with some friends for drinks and good times at both Zocalo and Red Lantern. Between the great margaritas, Bubble Tea Cocktails and Flaming Plums (pictured above), it was a great start to my birthday!

Sunday was a little more low-key, but Monday, being my actual birthday, was when my friends graciously offered to take my out to dinner. The best thing? I got to choose the location! Well, this was the best and the hardest thing because there are so many great places and to pick one is really challenging. After going through the process of elimination, I decided to go for Area IV and from the very first dish to the candle on their olive oil chocolate cake, it turned out to be the perfect choice!

Dishes come out as they are ready and many come out simultaneously, the style of dining makes sharing natural and easy. We were really impressed with the butternut squash soup, which was a bit spicy and not too sweet. Only the freshest ingredients are used in all of Michael's dishes. The shaved brussel sprout salad complete with candied hazelnuts, pecorino and lemon was also delicious.

Another personal favorite that usually ends up surprising everyone is their signature bluefish salad. Marinated in pungent flavors with spring onions, although this dish is small in size, it is huge in flavor!

Their roasted cauliflower, peppered almonds and smoked paprika vinaigrette was another a tasty little number. We all really like the crunch of the almonds.

We also got their Mac and Cheese which unfortunately was missing the bacon (it was ordered and left out:( ) and the pretzel nuggets.

The pizza was last to arrive, which is to be expected as it is all freshly dressed and cooked in their open brick-oven. We decided to go with the mushroom and fontina cheese pizza with pecorino and gremolata. It came perfectly cooked and presented an excellent balance between crispy crust and toppings. This balance seems to be hard for many restaurants to strike.

Of course, my absolute favorite part of any dinner is the dessert and Area IV does not disappoint. We ordered their olive oil chocolate cake with creme fraiche, cookie crumble and salted caramel sauce. This dessert has been talked up in every review I have read and it delivered a really strong performance. I sopped up every last bit...and being the birthday girl, I definitely had more than my fair share:)

We also ordered their sundae of the day, a combination of pumpkin and vanilla house-made soft serve with house-made (sensing a trend here!) marshmallow fluff, salted-caramel sauce, and toffee crunch. It was delicious and ordering two was an absolute necessity.

All in all, it was an amazing birthday dinner. Area IV presented the perfect space, casual and comfortable; great, friendly service; delicious food dish after dish; affordable pricing and in the end, we were all pleasantly stuffed.

Thanks so much to my friends for coming out to Cambridge on a Monday night to celebrate my special day:)

A blogger field trip to Privateer Rum Distillery

2011-10-23T15:16:00.000-07:00

So here is a bus full of happy, expectant faces! Where could they all have been going?

On a fine Saturday, this group of happy campers, of which I was lucky to be a part, were going out on a field trip to the Privateer Rum Distillery in Ipswich.

The field trip consisted of about 16 food bloggers and their guest. It is always great to embark on an adventure with this crowd and it is even better to get to add some new faces to the mix.

The tour was to take place at the distillery and was put together by Rachel of Boston Food Bloggers in partnership with the great guys at Privateer. After meeting half of the crew at the Marriott in Copley, the shuttle dropped us off around 1 30 in front of a big blue warehouse. Some of the party had taken their own means of transportation and had already arrived at the factory.

I have never been to a distillery before and did not know what to expect. I really liked the layout at Privateer though; it was spacious, with barrels of Rum lining one side and big impressive rum making machines lining the other. Appropriately, there is a fully stocked bar in the middle of the warehouse.

The tour itself was interesting as it was nice and informal, with different members of the team stationed at various points (behind the bar, in front of the impressive machines) and ready to answer any questions that came up as we meandered.

One of the most interesting parts of the event was of a taste test between Bacardi and Privateer Rum. The difference in taste was incredible. I am not a huge rum drinker, but the Privateer Rum was so smooth that I could actually see myself enjoying it on the rocks...crazy!

Of course, all of this rum may have gone to my head had it not been for some expert cooking catered and offered by Summer Shack. We had some great clam chowder, lobster rolls and hot dogs. However, the highlight among all the bloggers were the grilled apple fritter donuts served hot off the grill with some maple and vanilla infused whipped cream...

It was an incredibly well orchestrated event. Rachel brought it together on top of all her other projects and we all had a great time. I came out very much more educated on the inner workings of a rum distillery and had the chance to hang out with some great people.

Thanks so much to Privateer Rum! A brand I will be on the look out for from now on...it really is a delicious product - you should keep an eye out as well!

Battling the elements on a Wednesday evening

2011-10-20T14:59:00.000-07:00

In the middle of October, days of rain and wind are to be expected. Nonetheless, there is something about them that, no matter how prepared you are, finds you in some weather induced mishap or other.

Wednesday of this week was one such day and had all the potential to be a day of quiet solitude. However, with a bit of twisted luck, I ended up having a great evening with friends...water and wind be gone!

Our initial plans had been to meet at Pho and I on Huntington Ave at 6 30 for dinner, before heading over to Jordan Hall for a concert starting at 8 oclock.

Through sheer luck, I was able to snag a ride to the restaurant and ended up getting their very dry, but also very early. About five minutes later, I get a text from my friend saying he could not make it due to the weather. With some gentle nudging and minor guilt-tripping, I received a follow up text a few minutes later with an affirmative answer. I was quite happy to wait.

About a half hour later and all subsequent parties arrived, we were seated and a fabulous Thai Iced tea with Boba was placed in front of me soon after I ordered it. Pho and I has great speedy service, and they do not hold out on the amount of tapioca pearls in their drinks...I was much enthused!

While sipping on my drink and chatting, our orders of Pho and gyoza were being prepared. Our food came out swiftly and a steaming bowl of what was truly the perfect dish to temper the cold and harsh predicament we had all been privy to, sat steaming at my place...

I went for the vegetarian soup with delicious, fresh vegetables and big chunks of firm tofu, all swirling in a hot broth to which I added a dash of hot sauce..I do love a good bowl of Pho!

After our meal, we made our way to Jordan Hall, conveniently located just across the street, where we were about to experience a very impressive group of students from NEC.

The program, part of the Mahler Unleashed program, was entitled 'Hearing Mahler Through His Contemporaries' and consisted of a selection of composers that either influenced or were influenced by Mahler.

The group of musicians were incredibly uplifting, they had no conductor and instead had this way of communicating with each other through their body movements and eye contact. It was truly incredible, a feast for the eyes and the ears.

I love the concert series they offer at Jordan Hall. It is such a great ressource, both for the students, who get to perform in front of very keen audiences, but also for the audience members, who get to experience the up and comers...for free.

I intend on taking much more advantage of this great incentive...and with Pho and I located conveninently right next door (as well as Symphony Sushi for that matter), it makes for a great evening...rain or shine:)

New York by day, transit by night

2011-10-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

There is always something new to explore in New York, and no matter how little time you spend there, you somehow manage to fit in enough activities to fill a week anywhere else.

This past weekend, I went on a 24 hour New York binge...and here is what I got up to!

Having arrived Friday at around 2 a.m (Yay Lucky Star), I didn't get up to much that night...however, my first stop later on Saturday morning was a stroll around Chelsea, starting at Chelsea Market.

Described by my friend as a 'Rachel place', Chelsea Market was indeed, somewhere I would see myself spending more time. It was chock full of interesting little specialty shops, from a hand-shaved snow cone counter...

to unique little markets each with their on tilt. I especially liked the curried coconut cashews and dark chocolate covered marzipan at the create-your-own goodie bag station.

A definite highlight was the Lobster Place that was filled with the freshest seafood, sushi and fish and chips bar.

An innocent by-stander with a huge-flaming red lobster was kind enough to pose for a picture...how could I not ask!?

It was tough to decide what to get, especially considering the walking lobsters, but we ended up with their trio of sliders: shrimp, tarragon tuna club and lobster. The lobster was our favorite, but these little guys were all incredible. Even the buns were perfect and would have been enjoyable on their own!

Out of the Chelsea market, we continued our strolling until we came upon Billy's Bakery. I am aware that the cupcake craze really took off in New York with places like Magnolia's Bakery and Crumbs, but Billy's is something else. I don't know exactly what makes the difference, but the carrot cupcake and layered peanut butter bar were the best I have tasted yet. I got the cupcake for my friend as a birthday treat and, seeing my poorly disguised drool let me have a taste - it was the most moist cake (a huge mark of success seeing as most cupcakeries dry out their cakes) and the cream cheese frosting was absolutely superb.

I did watch the love and care that went into each cupcake though...each one took at least two minutes and involved expert style. They also had a banana cake with the same cream cheese frosting and I only barely resisted the temptation to get a slice...ok well, in reality, I saw the couple in front of me order a slice and figured they would not finish it...and yes, when they had clearly had their fill, I asked if I could try a bite....I have no shame. (And it was totally worth it!)

The rest of the day consisted of more strolling through markets perfect for picking up little gifts for friends and sampling even more sugar-inspired treats. Luckily, near Union Square, the Burger House was serving up samples of their burgers right on the side walk...so I got some protein in the mix too:)

After all of this, I met up with a couple of other friends and we all went to see The Houston Ballet perform at the Joyce, this was the original purpose of our trip in the first place. It was a great program to end a great day.

Of course, there were a few drinks at Brother Jimmy's BBQ afterwards and then I was on the 1:30 a.m. bus back to Boston.

Why did I leave in the middle of the night?

Well, because I absolutely could not miss out on the 1st Anniversary of the Boston Brunchers hosted by Island Creek Oyster Bar! After a full day of strolling and a pretty uncomfortable night on a bus, being welcomed by a basket full of warm house baked goods was just what I needed.

A fresh bagel with chive creamed cheese and delicious smoked salmon was a definite remedy...and the Bloody Mary with Clamato juice helped some too:)

It was a great weekend, made all the better by some much needed pampering...although next time I go to NY, maybe I should go for a longer period of time. I have been told of a thing called 'down time' and people say it can be quite enjoyable.

Teranga - a sound recommendation

2011-10-13T16:25:00.000-07:00

No matter how many great places I go to eat, when someone asks me for a recommendation, I somehow manage to find myself at a loss for suggestions. When put on the spot, I draw a blank - and it is not for want of good places to eat in Boston!

Having thought about this recurring situation, I have decided to have a few fall back options that I feel strongly will deliver a good, satisfying meal and experience. Teranga is one such restaurant, and I have in fact suggested it to quite a few people in the past few weeks.

Located right on the corner of Washington and Mass Ave, this restaurant is Boston's first Senegalese restaurant. Marie-Claude, the Chef/owner does a fabulous job with an interior that really takes you away from the bustle of everyday Boston life with bright, traditional colours and a fabulous African inspired menu.

A friend of mine and I went a while ago and I have been wanting to go back every since!

We started off with some Accara, pictured above, which are seasoned black eyed pea fritters, accompanied with a tomato-onion sauce that is both sweet and tangy. This appetizer was perfectly fried with not too much batter. It set our palettes for the rest of the meal.

We also ordered some fruit juices that made for a nice change from usual cocktails or wine.

We ordered two different appetizers and shared. Up first were their Chicken skewers served in another intriguing tangy seasoning. A huge bonus to this dish was its accompaniement of fried sweet plantains which are honestly, one my hugest weaknesses. A hint of onion and siracha added kick and complexity.

Our other choice was their National Dish, the Thiébou Djeun - herb-stuffed white fish, cooked in tomato stew with 'broken' jasmine rice. As you can see, the rice itself is cooked in a tomato-based broth that gives it a suggested flavor so complimentary to the other aspects of the meal. Vegetables, which most often come as an afterthought, were actually my favorite part We had big chunks of cassava (yucca), cauliflower, carrots and pumpkin, all stewed to perfection.

Although the fish was a little dry, everything else was expertly cooked and assembled.

I would love to go back and try the other dishes on their menu...or even to explore their brunch or vegetarian menu...

Until I can get myself there though, I will just have to live vicariously through others;)

A 'tour' de force!

2011-10-09T06:45:00.000-07:00

There are many different tours going on around Boston's various neighborhoods. As summer has drawn to a close, I really wanted to get one more good one in before the weather shifts for good. I was presented with a perfect opportunity this Saturday as Audrey, Founder of Boston Food Finds and dear food blogging friend of mine, invited me to join in on her Back Bay/Beacon Hill tour.

It was a perfect, perfect day for a walking tour and I had the best time! Here is a stop by stop itinerary...I got a bit picture happy...

Our first stop after a brief introduction was Scampo at the Liberty Hotel. Talk about starting off strong! Scampo, whichs means 'escape' in italian, is one of Lydia Shire's most famous restaurants...and little wonder why. Everyone is so invested in their work there and the food...well, it set the bar pretty high!

Once we had all introduced ourselves, we were greeted by practically all the staff and given a tour of the space. There were only six of us altogether, so we were actually taken into the back kitchen, where chefs were chopping away at huge cuts of meat, making sauces and the like. It really smelt amazing and I would have been happy to be a fly on the wall for a while..we were also shown the outdoor patio where they apparently have a doggy day care Wednesday..

Due to our small size, we all fit comfotably around the chef's table overlooking the brick oven and the tandoori oven. Our first course was their potato and chestnut gnocchi which, as stated by one of our fellow tour-ers, should be renamed something along the lines of 'pillows of sweet serenity'. Topped with brown sugar, sage and sliced, crispy chestnuts, this dish was probably one of the tastiest things I have eaten in a while...and to think that this is the very first stop Audrey organised for us!

Next, Chef Simon Restrepo, put together a fabulous Lobster pizza, which, consequently, was voted The best pizza in Massachusetts! Small wonder why, this baby was cooked to a perfect crispness, topped with a delicious, cheesey, creamy sauce with chunks of juicy lobster and other herbs. It too, went down a treat and left the other guests and myself really wanting more:)

Our next stop delivered just as well, but from another angle. Beacon Hill Chocolates welcomed us with their international selection of chocolates and confectionnary and we were all given samples of their milk chocolate ganache, a chili and lime chocolate and a piece of dark chocolate. The highlight of course was our choice of a smore's on a stick, or a brownie pop. I went for the later...and have not, as of yet, indulged in it:) (I had to leave something for later!)

Our tour was then taken through the Public Gardens and on such a lovely day, this interlude was a nice treat...a non-culinary one too!

Out of the park we went straight to Bacco's Wine and Cheese, a ten month old provision store sourced from local and international culinary artisans.

In here, after a brief exploration of their unique goodies, Bob Bacco (owner) gave us a mini wine and cheese tasting with some delicious macaroons and introduced us to some of his special ideas. My favorite was his version of a 'bento-box'. It comes at 7.50 and offers a serving of Iggy's fresh baguette with a daily selection of salumi and cheese and whatever antipasti has just been made that very morning. What a delicious idea to take out for a lounge in the park, or a nice european-style snack during the day!

Newbury street's Sabatino and Co was our next stop. In here we were presented with infused olive oils, truffle oil honeys, infused salts and sugars and some of the most delectable spreads. The communal favorite was their pistachio spread which, coming in a very intersting pale green, creamy color, tasted like a sweet but hearty nutella. I had a couple spoonfuls of that one:)

You may wonder at this point how we can fit so many different things without getting uncomfortably full. Well, this is the genius behind Audrey's tours. The key word would be 'walking' and in case you have not kept track, we have already walked all the way from Liberty Hotel, along Charles Street, through the Public Gardens and, by the second to last stop, found ourselves at Turner Fisheries in the Back Bay. The reason behind this stop? Their award winning Clam Chowder. I know, you are probably thinking that this is what all seafood restaurants call their clam chowder. However, at Turner Fisheries, their clam chowder is so good, that they were asked to no longer participate in the annual clam chowder contest...seeing as they kept winning!

My verdict? The consistency, the big, meaty clams, boiled poattoes and salty crackers made for a mighty fine clam chowder to me:)

Finally, after much walking, chatting and chomping, we made it to our final destination...Sweet Cupcakes. Here, we were actually able to pick out our cupcake preference. I went for their seasonal Pumpkin cupcake with cream cheese frosting...it was delicious. We were also offered a take home box...which I politely declined as I somehow managed to find some extra stomach space for my cupcake.

My experience of Boston Food Finds walking tour has been a long time in the making, but I can now say with utter confidence that the wait was worth it. I highly recommend it to visitors to the area and to locals, as I myself found some interesting new places that I had either not heard of, or never been in. Audrey is a delight as she has created personal ties with every spot on the tour and looks to create new friendships with all of her guests.

Boston Food Finds is a gem in itself!

A midday, mid-week treat:)

2011-10-06T20:20:00.000-07:00

As far as days of the week go, Thursdays are really not bad - you have passed the worst, and the comfort in knowing that Friday is litterally around the corner, is usually enough fuel to get you through. Most often though, a little something special is appreciated...any day of the week.

This Thursday, at the Boston Ballet, Pretzel Crisps hosted a 'snack break' in the dancers' lounge for all employees to enjoy.

This is a great initiative Pretzel Chips has taken on board as part of their markerting campaign and Boston Ballet has been among many other lucky companies to be treated to some healthy pretzels paired with other deli condiments like Hummus, salsa, guacamole and cheese...all great things!

Lisa, our hostess, was great and set everything up nice and simple, showcasing the different flavours up for sampling. We were lucky enough to have five different flavours: original, sesame, parmesan garlic, everything and (my surprising favorite) buffalo wing. I especially enjoyed the buffalo wing paired with guac and salsa....interesting combination, n'est-ce pas?

Although the presentation was great, it did not last long as once 2 30 struck, the dancers descended and...well, the bowls of pretzels didn't last long. Romeo and Juliet rehearsals really work up an appetite:)
I am just happy I got to take a few snap shots of this fabulous treat, which we all enjoyed and which personally got me through the rest of my day!
Thanks to Boston Ballet and Pretzel Chips for setting us all up with some salty goodness on a Thursday!

Boston Local Food Festival - 2011

2011-10-02T15:32:00.000-07:00

The first weekend of October has come and gone. It's amazing because to me, it could just as easily be the begining of September...time sure flies when you have so many fabulous foodie events to attend:)

I am sad to see the summer's end, however fall is my favorite season: the colours, smells and seasonal favorites (hello pumpkin:)) all come together during this month...and not to mention, it's my birthday month:)

I am happy to say that my October is off to a great start with a wonderful Saturday spent by Fort Point Channel for the Boston Local Food Festival.

This was the second annual festival and I was very much aware of it this year as a food blogger friend of mine, Kathy, was on board with the organisation. From 11 to 5, this area was chock full of vendors and exhibitors, all presenting local food related projects. The most difficult thing about these festivals, is deciding what you are going to get. There are so many choices, and only so much room in your tummy...and your wallet!

I almost went for these little baby caramel apples that you could cover in sauce yourself...but I walked past them, distracted by the Pork Belly madness going on at Sportello's tent.

Luckily, my companion purchased a delicious vegan sandwhich made with doughy bread, butternut squash (hello autumn flavours!), apple, arugula and spicy tofu spread. It was really tasty once all the flavours melded together in a bite.

I also got my fill of samples, tasty nut and oat cakes from Effie's Homemade, creamy maple yogurt from Sidehill Farm and some really good pickles from Real Pickles.

There were also some great bands playing on the other side of the bridge and some interesting martial arts presentations outside the Boston Children's Museum;)

With the sun shining in all its autumn glory, and our appetites satiated, we decided to take a walk by the water. We were spoiled with a gigantic bubble show right by the ICA. It was the perfect way to sit and digest the mix and things I had just ingested, mentally and physically!

I can't wait until next year's festival:)

Crispin' at Local 149

2011-09-28T15:30:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have read my blog post on the Boston Brunchers' event hosted by Local 149 earlier this month, you will know something about the amazing eats that are served througout the day at this restaurant. You will also know of my subsequent enthusiasm for this hot, new (ish) spot and my immediate delight in being invited to join a friend for the 5 Course Cider Dinner hosted at Local 149 this past Monday.

This event was being to promote Crispin Cider: a fabulous line of delicious ciders, ranging from sweet to dry. The New England distributor, Kayla, had met with Chef Lisa Dubois, to decide which ciders to feature and pair with innovative dishes, which were all gluten free.

Up first we had their Classic English Dry cider, served conveniently in a can and paired with delicious tuna tartar served atop a salty potato chip with wasabi aioli. A nice start that greeted us right as we sat down.

The next course (not pictured above) was a serving of braised lamd shoulder with pickled currants and soft-ripened cheese. This dish was paired with the 'Joan of Arc'; a sauvignon blanc inspired cider -limited release. I loved this cider as it hinted at the sweet, light taste of a good Sauvignon Blanc, one of my favorite wines.

Above, we have a picture of the third course; a seared sea scallop with sherry vinegar roasted endive and foie butter. I have really been enjoying some great scallops lately, notably from Lineage and Troquet. These little guys were right on par and the foie butter was a sinful delight.

The Honey Crisp cider that came along with this course was also my favorite - seeing as it mirrored the tart sweetness of my favorite apple...the Honey Crisp:)

Getting better and better with each dish, we had a sweet potato and marshmallow gratin with a smoked duck drum stick. I love all three things and put them together...I am in heaven. The Saint - an unfiltered Belgian cider complemented the sweetness of the gratin nicely.

To finish (the 5 course dinner that is), we were served vanilla ice-cream with caramel (made with the boiled down version of the dry cider) and crystallized walnuts. The Landsdowne came along with this and was thick and dark because of its organic molasses component.

It was a great way to round out a well-balanced and masterfully orchestrated dinner. (I hardly even noticed the absence of bread!)

Of course, with so much delicious food and a menu of even more options, I could not help but to order another dessert. I had originally wanted to try their fried FlutterNutter, but it was the only dessert they were not making that night! Instead, I ordered their Chocolate cigars which comes with caramel ice cream, 'boozy' whipped cream and more delicious candied walnuts.

Needless to say that even on top of the 5 course dinner, this plate was licked clean!

There are not many restaurants in Boston that I would go back to multiple times and be as satisfied as I have been with Local 149.

This restaurant has atmosphere, great friendly staff, ground breaking food - oh- and did I mention that it partners with The Level Up? With the 15 dollars credit waiting for you...you really can't go wrong...so what are you waiting for!?

*A special thank you to Kayla from Crispin Cider for putting the event together and putting up with my antics all throughout the meal:)

A Phan-tastic Phestival!

2011-09-25T09:21:00.000-07:00

I don't really know how best to describe my luck in attending two blow out food festivals in two weekends...Last week's Dessert Showcase had me on a sugar high for at least a couple hours (or until I got to unloading my take home goodies, half of which actually made it into the fridge...) and this Saturday I spent a good part of the day eating my way through the Phantom Gourmet Food Festival, stretching from Landsowne to Ipswich.

My stomach is certainly getting better at this as I somehow managed to continuously eat my way through Bacon cheddar dogs from Spike's junkyard dogs, grilled cheese and ham sandwiches from Cheese Boy and wings from Kowloon Restaurant.

What else can you find at the Phantom Gourmet festival? Other than a whole lot of purple...you might find:

Tubs full of butter....

Cauldrons full of chili...

Ice cream filled cupcakes aka Shot Cakes....genius...pure genius...

For a break from all the madness, you can head into the air conditioned House of Blues to witness some National League of Competitive Eating contests.

This year we had three woman against one man in the attack of the Edible Arrangements...the big guy in blue one...

Even better was the meatball eating contest that pitted three dudes against little 109 lbs Sonya the Black Widow. Wait for it..Sonya totalled 48 meatballs in ten minutes and the three guys combined....39. Talk about inspiration!

With your newfound appetite, it's time to head back onto the battle ground, the guys behind Dore Creperie were hard at work with banana, nutella milkshakes and delectable brie, apple, ham and honey crepes ...

Unfortunately, their pop-up location at 1 Beacon street will only be going for a month or two more...fortunately however, they are going to start another pop-up...stay tuned:)

After all of this...and of course much more (Sunset Grill and Tap had the best creme brulee or pumpkin ale ice cream), my friends and I put down our forks and headed for the exits.

Yet another Phab Phood event down for the books and I am already waiting for next year's:)

Level Up to save a buck:)

2011-09-22T11:50:00.000-07:00

I would say that by now, most people are aware of at least one or two 'group coupon' companies that offer subscription-based coupons on a daily basis. Groupon and Living Social are of course some of the more popular ones however these days, there seem to be more and more popping up weekly.

Although they all claim to be different, they are pretty much the same. This is what makes the concept behind The Level Up so great. It started off just like the others, but just recently, it relaunched its premise and has in fact become a really convenient (and cheap!) way to get you trying new places.

With The Level Up, you simply sign up and they will issue you a personal 'scan code'. This code can be used on your smartphone, or, for people who are not all fancy and don't have a said phone (aka for people like me:)), they will send you a card with your scan code on it.

This little code is your gateway to many different places and venus - a list which gets bigger and better every day.

The Level Up team partners up with these places and gives you a small incentive to try them out. For instance, this past Sunday, I was walking around Harvard Square when I noticed a 'Pay with Level Up' adverstisement in Cardullo's front window.

I don't usually go in here, but figured, if I have 5 dollars credit waiting for me...why not?

In I went, and out I came with a bag full of cookies...gratis!

Of course, it would have been easy to spend more than 5 dollars and this is the incentive for restaurants and shops. If you do spend more, The Level Up is tied to an account you set up and bills it accordingly. The best part about The Levep Up, is that you don't have to worry about buying any deal or coupon in advance and credit does not expire.

It ends up being a win win situation...not to mention that you feel really cool with your little swipey code:)

If you decide to enroll in The Level Up, enter this promo code to receive 5 level Up bucks automatically:

1371

Enjoy:)

Falling into sweet sensations

2011-09-18T18:55:00.000-07:00

As many of you may have been aware, this Saturday was the host of the annual New England Dessert Showcase. For one day only, the Sheraton hotel in the Back Bay was home to over 20 sweet exhibitors peddling their delicacies. This was my second time attending the event, and not only did the whole thing go down a treat, but I was amazed at how much smoother the whole operation was.

With my media pass, I got in a little ahead of the public - so I got to get some good pictures of the set up before the crowds arrived. The location at The Sheraton, which moved from last year's conference hall at The Marriott, was much better suited to display and disperse the various vendors...as well as the World's Largest Cannoli.

My friend and I got right to business, starting with the beautiful display by the team behind O'sugar Cakery. They were really on top of things and had trays of samples ranging from their delicious pecan pie tartlets, to their cake pops, fudge cake and chocolate sixlets.

Whereas last year they ran out of samples within the first 15 minutes, this year they made it through the entire day...Kudos ladies:)

One of our favorite desserts however came as a bit of a surprise. Kueh, a little bakery specializing in Southeast-Asian treats, had a fabulous array of pastries and the like. My favorite thing was their black bean pudding served with coconut milk. It made me feel like I was back in Singapore! I remember them well from the Hungry Tiger Festival held earlier this summer in Union Square.

Back for a second year in a row was the Chart House with their signature chocolate brownie, served warm and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce and heath bar bites. Needless to say, this number's hot and cold contrast made it down in no time.

A bit of a break in the sugar consumption was welcomed with a presentation by Nicole Coady, executive chef of Finale Desserterie. She was demonstrating how to make these amazing Pad Thai truffles...which, somehow, managed to be sweet and savory simultaneously;)

Along the real candy, we had eye candy. Above we have a picture of the World's largest Cannoli. Unfortunately, due to the extreme drop in temperature (not ok!), the outer shell collapsed, so we could not partake in a filling ceremony...the mini samples they gave out were just as good though!

It is also worth giving a shout out to Batch Ice Cream for their delicious and all-natural ice cream, and The Cake Spot for the most delicious cupcakes I have ever tasted.

It was also great to see some familiar foodie faces, Elizabeth from Free, Food Boston had a great little food guessing game going and the ladies from Just Add Cheese are always a pleasure to chat with.

I somehow made it through all the desserts without going into too much of a sugar high...sure my head was pounding and my vision may have been slightly blurred by 12:30, but I figure that once a year...I can handle it:)

Hit or Miss at The Cottage

2011-09-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

Being part of a group is a wonderful thing. You get to meet people who share a particular interest, you get to convene around that particular interest and when that particular interest happens to be food...well anytime your group gets together is likely to be a fabulous experience.

I have been very fortunate these past few weeks to have been a part of numerous brunch get togethers with the Boston Brunchers - a fabulous group of bloggers who all enjoy food:)

A couple of weeks ago I had the best meal of my life at Local 149 in South Boston and I understand this would be hard to beat. Just this past weekend, I joined for another escapade, this time at The Cottage in Chestnut Hill.

I had never even heard of the place! I was very excited as it sounded like a perfect spot for brunch and a quick look at their brunch menu had me all in a dither.

As with all Brunches with Boston Brunchers, The Cottage hosted the brunch and we only had to take care of tax and tip. However, I always take care to note the prices, because I want to be able to judge whether I would come back and pay the full price.

I always have a wonderful time with my fellow bloggers, however my opinion of The Cottage is mixed. I found it delivered one hundred percent on some things and then failed in others.

The first thing I did not love, was the décor. Although I think some people really liked it, I found it felt a bit like eating in a Pottery Barn. Everything was smooth and reflective white or light-light blue, it did not emit a 'cottage feel' which is what I was hoping for.

On the other hand, when Chef Todd and the Owner, John came out for a welcome note and chat, I was impressed. That was a hit:)

Another hit were the truffle oil tatter tots that were served out for everyone to sample. These were light and crisp, with a decadent creamy center.

When it came time to order, I was having my usual decisive issues...how can you decide when so many items look so great? In the end I went with their Lobster Cobb salad, but not without ordering their Stuffed French Toast for the table first!

This dish was a major hit, no doubt about it! The filling, which can often be neglected was just right, although I would have liked a tad more mascarpone.

My Lobster Cobb salad was quite good; there were big chunks of lobster meat along with all the usual accoutrements; hard boiled egg, greens, avocado and bacon. However, I thought that for 20 dollars, this dish should was missing something....I think I would have either wanted more of everything or a lower price point.

So far things are not looking too bad. However, I am afraid to say that the egg dishes were a major miss. A few of my fellow brunchers ordered the amazing sounding 'mashed potato omelet'. It came with much less fanfar than the truffle oil tatter tots...this much is certain. It was accompanied by a side of fruit salad that was definitely disappointing, and the omelette itself, which my neighbour, Sean, let me try a bite of, left much to be desired. Their Tuscan omelette, ordered by Lindsey of Beantown Eats, came out to much the same effect with bland homefries and bland fire-grilled chicken.

For a place that calls itself 'The Cottage' and boasts a superb brunch menu, you cannot skimp out on the egg dishes- they are a brunch staple.

Although most things were good, a few things were off...perhaps it is because this is their newest of three locations and they are just ironing some things out...

The start of a week with great potential

2011-09-12T20:42:00.000-07:00

A five day week is never easy...especially when it comes after a four day week that somehow lasted forever...

Luckily, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. First of all, Monday is over and second of all, Saturday brings a showcase of sweet treats with the annual New England Dessert Showcase. Deemed the 'premier dessert experience on the East Coast', this event will not disappoint. How can I be so sure? Well, check out my review from last year:

New England Dessert Showcase 2010

Kicking off Friday evening with a party for VIP ticket holders, the NE Dessert Showcase stretches all throughout Saturday at the Sheraton Boston Hotel. After last year's mass attendance, Anthem, the event hosts, have revamped their strategy and will now have the public sessions split into two; a morning session from 11-2 and an afternoon session from 3-6. This way the exhibitors will have time to reset and more importantly...to restock:)

Tickets are 30 dollars for a session and 40 for the whole day. I can assure you that no one is leaving this expo without a slight sugar high... last year, I think my heart was beating at the rate of a humingbird's wings...so maybe I went a little over board with at Finale's station:)

Of course, this may have you feeling a little guilty, but fear not! On Sunday, you can redeem yourself (and your diet) at the Harvard Square Business Association's 3rd Annual Urban Agricultural Food Fair. From 11 to 5 between Mt. Auburn and JFK St, you can peruse through locally grown produce ranging from fruits and vegetables to flowers, condiments and baked goods. Certainly, there will be more sweet renditions, however, your tolerance may still be maxed out...

The vendors will be accompanied by live music from Club Passim artists all day long.

So hang in there, the next few days will just add to the anticipation and subsequent satisfaction that awaits this weekend!

Hope to see you at both events:)

Labors of love...aka Bottomless Brunch

2011-09-07T19:20:00.000-07:00

This past Labor Day weekend, I was fortunate enough to join eleven other bloggers at Local 149 for a Boston Bruncher's culinary escapade. I have attended a couple of these events and by now know that whenever one arises, an empty stomach is the only way upon which to arrive. This brunch was no different as we were treated to the nines and consequently dined:)

Local 149 is located on P street in South Boston, an area I have apparently neglected in my usual wanderings. I took the #9 bus from the South End and ended up bumping into Amanda and Megan, two fellow foodies also headed to the brunch.

Upon arrival, our group quickly congregated around our designated table which was already adorned with two beautiful famer's platters, complete with house made condiments, five different cheeses and various meats.

It was difficult enough not to dig in right away as we were waiting for the rest of the group to arrive. Once the waitresses began bringing out young coconuts filled with the most tantalizing sounding cocktail however, the anticipation had built to such an exorbitant level that no missing blogger could keep us from settling into the first course. Little did we know what we were in for...

After the first course was cleared away - to which was added some fabulous oysters with homemade raspberry mignonette and pepper smoked sausage - we were given samples of their chicken and waffles. This dish was such a strong start, it was also my first go at this infamous combination and boy did it deliver. The sweet blueberry waffles were perfectly fluffy with juicy berries, just enough maple syrup and the crispy, salty chicken made for a rock star marriage. This dish ended up being one of my favorites and I couldn't help picking the last remnant off of my neighbor, Marie's, plate as it was being cleared away.

I believe the breakfast pizza was next. Made with 'everything' dough, this baby was cooked to a satisfying crispness and topped with thick bacon, their four cheese blend, arugula and...quail eggs. Another first for me, I found the quail eggs to be a bit less yolk-y than regular eggs, but with a bit of a richer taste. Needless to say, it went down a treat.

Up next we had another sweet dish: life cereal-encrusted french toast drenched in espresso martini and topped with Grand Marnier whipped cream, a chocolate stick and in my case, mangalista bacon.

I was very good with this dish and resisted eating the whole thing- don't worry though, I got mine (and Marie's) leftovers to go;)

At some point in between this dish and the next, we were served mimosas. The robust colour and great pulp made me think of sunsets - this drink will do well in the summer or winter.

Also at this point, my stomach was really starting to feel a little less empty...to say the least. The next two dishes however, somehow made it in.

Their Yorkshire Pudding and Lobster scramble sandwich were the final pieces and the staff mercifully only brought out a couple for us all to share family-style. I am sorry to say that even between all of us, we couldn't finish it all. (Not a bad thing though... it just meant for more leftovers:))

The Yorkshire pudding came with two perfectly over-easy eggs, house made cinnamon-walnut raisin toast, spicy sausage and fabulous gravy. This dish was definately the most well-rounded meal.

The lobster scramble was a tower and perhaps a bit difficult to get at with any elegance. However, taste and qaulity of ingredients far outshone any qualms I had about the mess that ensued once I attempted my first bite: either way it is a delicious experience.

To top the whole shebang off, we were given samples of their Malted Chocolate shake and a quick shaking of hands with Leah Dubois, the head chef and genius behind Local 149.

Everything was delicious, nothing was overdone and no shortcuts were taken. I would make the trip out to South Boston anyday to order any one (or all) of the items mentioned above and am quite confident that every other menu item is just as strong.

Need I say it? Local 149 is five dancers strong...without a hint of a doubt.

Food for thought and something for the soul too:)

2011-09-04T22:05:00.000-07:00

I like to say that I love anything and everything to do with food, however most of the time, my blog posts all have something to do with me consuming it. I am very happy to say however, that here is something a little different, but just as compelling and enriching...presenting, 'What I Eat Around the World', a photo exhibit currently on display at the Museum of Science in Boston.

I had heard about this exhibit through a savvy friend and was immediately interested. It consists of a project run by Peter Menzel and Faith D'Alouiso, a photographer and author who compiled and compared the daily diets of 80 different people from 30 different countries.

This is an incredible way to catch a glimpse into the wide range of food from culture to culture and lifestyle to lifestyle, while also bringing to mind important questions concerning the very importance of food within different people's daily lives and particularly the relatively recent obsession with counting calories.

The exhibit, which only displays 25 of these diets, ranges from the lowest amount of caloric intake in one day, to the highest. At 800 calories, we have Noolkisaruni Tarakuai, a Maasai Herdenr from Kenya. For this mother of seven, politics and increasingly ruthless weather conditions make the procurement of food a constant struggle. One cup of milk from her herd of cows is the norm and most if not all of it goes to her herdsman and children. Meat is even more rare.

Her daily diet consists of cornmeal porridge, a banana, black tea with whole milk and sugar and water.

This diet is in stark contrast to Jill Mctighe, the so-called 'Snacker Mom' from Great Britain who would consume a total of 12 300 calories in a day, the highest amount recorded in the project.

During a period of struggling with drug abuse, Jill would go binge eat through about five sandwiches, chicken with gravy, pork sausages, french fries, potatoes, eggs, cookies, multiple candy bars and chips.

Thankfully, Jill has since undergone some intensive counseling, dropped her substance abuse and maintained a much healthier, balanced and binge-free diet.

After making your way through such an exhibit, you begin to wonder what your caloric intake for a day would be and how it might compare to some of the diets elsewhere in the world.

What most interested me however was the relation between what people eat and the lifestyles they lead, without a doubt, the famous saying 'you are what you eat' takes on a very literal meaning in this exhibit.

Of course, it is also difficult to come out of the exhibit without an appetite. Luckily, the Museum of Science is quite close to Cambridge - a mecca of delicious dining destinations. My friends and I headed straight for AREA IV - where I have been trying to get since it opened earlier this spring.

It is interesting to come upon a menu after such an experience and go about your usual ordering. You can't help but wonder what it might look like if it were to be compiled into a photo with you alongside it.

I will admit however, that this philosophical state did not last too long and as dishes like their mac and cheese with bacon bits, bluefin and scallion salad and fennel sausage with banana pepper pizza came out, I quickly lost the analytical edge.

Everything was delicious - everything was fresh and I would have been proud to show everything we got as a tenet of my daily diet...unfortunately, I couldn't say that all my days look like this...but I suppose you can always dream.

Especially when a homemade Crimson Berry soft serve sundae is involved...

I would go back to both the exhibit and Area IV, simultaneously or independently - they are both incredible acts of culinary genius, one that displays, throws into perspective and questions, while the other satisfies, amuses and surprises.

Who knew food could be so enlightening;)

Snack time at the ballet:)

2011-09-01T14:56:00.000-07:00

I have always said that the worst place to be is in between a dancer and their food...especially after a performance! But what of a regular rehearsal day? How do dancers keep up their strength for up to 7 and a half hours of gruelling physical activity?

Like most people, we have an hour for lunch in the middle of our day, but we need way more than this and little snacks here and there really do the trick.

I have compiled a small sample of some types of snacks that take us from one rehearsal to the next.

Here we have some 'Power of Fruit Bars'. They are like popsicles, made with nothing but real, frozen fruit. All-natural, these little guys are perfect for a quick and refreshing burst of energy in between rehearsals.

We were very happy to get a few different flavors to try out courtesy of Power of Fruit...and they really did not last long! My personal favorite was their ,Orange Tango'...yum!

Dancers usually have some kind of crunchy snack on the go, whether its chips, pretzels or trail mix. One type of chip that has been gaining in popularity since last season is Popchips - a light, popped take on a potato chip that comes in many flavors..

Above we have Sarah, a member of the Corps de Ballet showing some distinct dancer/food rigor...luckily we received a generous shipment with more than enough for everyone to share:)

Oh and you can tell Brittany needs her popchips - for more than eating! Physical therapy is an integral part of our days and although massage sounds nice...Heather has a way of getting right into the deep of you muscle belly...ouch!

Finally, Nutrition bars are a great way of getting calories and energy quickly. They are convenient and usually packed with good stuff. These days, the amount of all -natural energy bars out there is quite impressive. Luna Bars and Clif Bars are some of my favorite, recently however, two dancers from Pittsburg Ballet decided to come up with their own product, designed for dancers, enjoyed by everyone. 'Barres', are fun for us because they have some clever packaging and wording. For instance, their Cinnamon Crunch flavor is called the 'Pirouette', and they have a 'Black Swan' coming out soon:)

I only tried the cinnamon flavor, and found it a little dry, I would love to try some other flavors to compare. There is definitely a lot of potential behind this project!

At the end of the day, we need our snacks - these are just a few examples of some popular ones we enjoy at the studios. I would never get in the way of a dancer and their sustenance, nor would I leave any food unattended...look away and you may just loose a bite or two...

Restaurant Week is up and the verdict is in!!

2011-08-27T17:36:00.000-07:00

After much back and forth on where to go for Restaurant Week this summer, my friend and I decided on Gargoyle's On The Square. Why this restaurant and not one of the many others participating in Restaurant Week? Well, it adhered to most or all of my criteria: firstly, it has been about three years since I have wanted to eat here (embarassing...I know!), secondly, there were quite a few of their regular menu items on their RW menu...always a good sign! Third, the RW price for three courses represented a good bargain compared to their usual prices, (which are pretty steap) and finally, it's in Davis Square...one of my all-time favorite squares:)

After a really long, hard day rehearsing at the Ballet, I was absolutely ravenous and in the mood for some major eating. When we got to the restaurant, our hostess took our reservation and showed us to a nice table right by the window...so far so good! I had already decided what I was going to order about three days prior so I was good to go. Unfortunately, even though we were by the window, the restaurant was so dark that I had to resolve to using flash...yuck:(

For an appetizer, I ordered their 'signature' Hawaiian Tuna Poke, which came with thuck cubes of tuna mixed with hijiki, nori oil and red ginger. I was really impressed with the size of this appetizer although I found it to be too heavy on the sauce...and sodium. The tuna however, was superb.

My friend got their Cast-iron Baked Vermont Cheddar complete with crispy pancetta and granny smith apples. The lightly toasted bread was just the right complement although I thought the cheese could have been more baked...it lacked that crispy finish...this had me wondering if maybe they were on a RW time constraint? The restaurant was busy and things were arriving quite quickly...apart from the lighting, the alarmingly quick pace with which one dish was replaced with another was the second thing that irked me.

For main courses, I got their Crispy Natural Duck Confit, with herb-roasted potatoes, bacon-onion jam and watercress. This dish was a perfectly constructed meal, a bit too heavy for summer, but still very tasty. My friend opted for the vegetarian option, Chickpea Fritters with roasted eggplant and a summer vegetable salad. I did not get a good photo of this dish however it was exceptionally bland...particularly next to the duck. The temperature of the dish was also way off...again, I have my reservations as to how well orchestrated these RW dining experiences are...you get the feel that you are being rushed and not genuinely taken care of...

Moving onto dessert we also moved away from their regular dessert menu which is a real pity as some of their usual desserts sound truly amazing. I opted for the double chocolate cake with raspberry coulis and pretzel brittle. Although not on their regular menu and fairly standard, it was rich and decadent, just the way I like my chocolate:) I would have preferred a larger piece though:(

The Key Lime Tart, also not on their usual dessert menu surprised me as well. The Key Lime filling, albeit a little skimpy was not too strong and the extra whipped cream I asked for was much welcome. I was not a huge fan of the mint syrup they had along the rim..it just reminded my friend and I of mouthwash...

All in all, most of the food was good although I would have preferred to see more of the regular desserts on the RW special.

I do however maintain my reservations regarding the way many restaurants orchestrate their RW. I genuinely feel as though you are rushed through your meal, with servers practically grabbing your plates out from under your nose as you are still enjoying your last bite. If RW is about getting the feel for a place and potentially coming back, it should be a full package deal. After this experience, I wondered if we may have had a more relaxing time at the bar with their burger...

O Ya? Oh yes!

2011-08-24T20:30:00.000-07:00

Ok I know what you are thinking...how can someone who calls themself the 'frugal foodista' manage to end up at one of Boston's most expensive spots? To set things straight right from the get go, I was treated to dinner by a couple of friends of mine who are big time foodies. O Ya happens to be on the top of their list of favorite places in Boston and they decided that I needed to at least experience it, if not for frugal purposes, for the food itself...and I was not about to put up a fight:)

Part of O Ya's appeal is it's modest and understated look. You would expect something grandiose and intimidating, a place no doubt that would have you feeling small and (if you are frugal) way out of place. Let me tell you that this is absolutely not the case. With a tiny sign on a brick wall, O Ya's entrance boasts nothing more than a large wooden door. It's interior is set up Japanese style; deep reds and wooden accents - it is very comfortable and just the right size for proper attention and intimicay.

Now, enough with the décor descriptions let's get down to the food!

Ordering at O Ya may be quite intimidating. Luckily, I was with two people who had an amazing handle on the menu and they took care of the ordering. I just made sure we had an order of their signiature Fois Gras Nigiri...more on that later!

The first item we had was their Kumamoto Oyster with watermelon pearls and cucumber mignonette. This was my first taste of O Ya and consequently, the first time I have enjoyed watermelon in a dish. The oyster was meaty and full-bodied, the pearls of watermelon were somehow strong enough to add a fruity essence while the cucumber mignonette added a welcome tang. The whole thing went down an absolute treat, no awkward slurping with this little guy!

Next up we had the Hamachi with spicy banana pepper mousse. Another revelation albeit more traditional. Although this was only our second item, I was coming to notice part of O Ya's infamous appeal: little bites of potent pleasure, each piece is prepared to the nines with flavors that compliment and evolve. Each different plate is an experience in itself.

So as not to overwhelm you, I will go in quicker succession (or wait...will that be even more overwhelming??) The scarlet sea scallop(right) came outlined in red with white soy yuzu sauce and yuzu tobiko (fish eggs). Below we have the Peruvian style bluefin Chutoro Takati topped with aji panca sauce and cilantro pesto. The great thing about this one was the different tones you got out of the pesto and cilantry, Bluefin is also one of my recent favorites...it was a hit!

Their rendition of a diver scallop toyed with genius as it was topped with sage tempura, olive oil bubbles (I love this technique from molecular gastronomy!) and meyer lemon. Here, the softness of the scallop contrasted perfectly with the crunch of the fried tempura and the olive oil bubbles gave just a hint of decadence.

Around this point in the meal I noticed another fascinating characteristic of O Ya's restaurant. Their style of dining, which is obsivously focused on ingredients and innovations of the highest quality also manages to promote conversation flow. I find that sometimes carrying on conversation is difficult when you have a plate of food in front of you. At O Ya, this is not an issue. They have somehow managed to strike the perfect balance between focus on food and the fact that you are out to enjoy the company of others. In other words, their food is not a distraction, rather, it is a complement, something upon which relations bud.

Moving right along we come to one of my favorite pieces: the Fried Kumamoto Oyster. The same oyster I had tried earlier with the watermelon party was now presented fried with yuzu kosho aioli and squid ink bubbles. When I first saw this I thought there was a little rock on top.

Here is a close up of the squid ink bubbles, just so you can be sure I didn't swallow a pebble:)

O Ya also serves some larger, more traditional fare, for instance, here we have their take on 'pork and beans'. In O Ya fashion, it is Okinawan Braised Pork with boston baked heirloom rice beans, house kimchee, soy maple and kinome...pork and beans? Hardly! This dish was hearty and full-bodied, and there were more than a few bites:)

And now...for the pièce de résistance! The Foie Gras nigiri, complete with Balsamic chocolate kabayaki, claudio corralo raisin cocoa pulp and served with a sip of aged sake is one of the more expensive pieces (at 22 dollars) and has been feature in the Improper Bostonian as a splurge on multiple accounts.

I am actually not going to go into further detail with this tribute to indulgence. Suffice it to say that after I had finished this relatively small combination of ingredients, I didn't quite know what to do with myself. It took me about five minutes to compose myself at which point I had to battle against the urge to bombard into the kitchen pleading for more.

In all honesty, I would go to O Ya and spend 22 dollars on this item alone. I know I am frugal, but I also recognise a phenomenon when I encounter one. It is without a doubt one of the most incredible experiences.

The desserts came and went without much fanfare (how could they after the Foie Gras symphony?)

We finished off our meal with some green tea and satisfied banter.

Various members of the O Ya team came by and inquired as to how we liked our meal. By the end of the evening, we were all apart of a big, happy family.

O Ya embodies many of the important things I look for in restaurants: it is inventive, delicious and comfortable. The fact that each of its dishes takes you on a sensory journey is truly what sets it apart, that and the friendly and attentive service.

If you are looking for a place to celebrate something significant, or just to experience something rare and special, O Ya is the place to do it...this is one splurge even I would take:)

An eclectic success

2011-08-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

I think one of the keys to a successful restaurant is to be clear as to what you are trying to do. There are so many restaurant these days that suffer from an identity crisis. 'Authentic' mexican restaurants offer Fish and Chip dishes (ahem MASA...), 'authentic' french restaurants label their main dishes 'entrées' which should really be called 'plats principaux'...ahem...Petit Robert.

Another common mistake is to try to be too many things: Five Napkin Burger should really just stick to Burgers...

This past Saturday, OM Restaurant, in Harvard Square put a group of Boston Brunchers up for a taste of their brunch offering. As per usual, I checked out the menu before heading out and was a little worried by the wide range of dishes offered: from Southern to Asian and classic American...I braced myself...was this going to be another case of identity mayhem?

This being my first time to OM, I had no past experiences to draw upon, I was at a clean slate. I can very happily say however, that OM impressed me through and through.

Being the sponsor of our get together of blogging brunchers, OM had a great welcome ready for us and a fabulous table right by the window. The interior décor is Asian-styled with exquisite Buddha figures and beautiful wall designs.

Once everyone in our party had arrived, we were served their Lychee Bellini, a freshly blended Lychee puree with Prosecco. I have always enjoyed anything Lychee, but let me tell you that something about the freshly blended fruit with the crisp champagne was really delicious and set things on a positive road from the get go.

Another brief look at the culinary range on the menu had me holding my breath...what was I to order?Luckily, we ordered in a way that allowed us to try many different items.

As a team, we decided to start sweet with their Banana and Chocolate stuffed French Toast and Lemon Pancake with orange maple butter.

The Stuffed French Toast, which is an upgraded version of your classic brunch item was absolutely delicious: the Challah was 'Frenched' and toasted to a perfect fluffiness, not too gooey but tasting of sweet egg. The banana and chocolate filling was just the right amount, the thickness of the bread balanced it out perfectly. The pancakes however, were not my favorite...I think the pancake on our side of the table was a bit over cooked...

Moving on to things more savoury, I tried some of their Kerala Scramble, which is eggs scrambled with chunky and fresh smoked salmon, ripe cherry tomatoes and green chilies. It came with a nice side of greens and flat bread. This dish was a nice light option, my only change would be to grill the flatbread.

Already though, my taste buds were liking what they were getting!

The next dish was the true champ. The Biscuits, egg and ham, a very southern dish, just seemed to out of place in writing. Once it arrived in full form however, any qualms were eradicated and I proceeded to eat not only mine, but my fellow blogger's left over remnants as well. The country ham was salty and contrasted superbly with the tomato jam. The biscuits themselves were buttery to the point where you couldn't really talk once you had a bite in your mouth. I would suggest getting runny eggs with this dish as you might otherwise be silent for the remainder of the meal:)

I also tried a bite of the Duck Confit Hash, courtesy of Bianca - my fellow chocoholic:). This was an item I would have expected from Chef Patricia Yeo who is famous for her creative Asian/American flare. This dish, with the spicy chili sauce was so distinct and yet so well done.

By the end of the meal, I felt as though I had been to three different restaurants each with their own specialty, and yet I had not left my spot at OM. It was a culinary adventure which began tentatively and ended with me being fully blown away and an advocate for future visits.

With items priced around 10 dollars and generous portions, OM really delivers a great brunch. An eclectic menu that delivers is a rare find...don't rule it out for a fine weekend morning or early afternoon!

Everyone needs a little Taza tour

2011-08-18T19:59:00.000-07:00

In case this weekend didn't have enough going on what with all the Cliff Diving off the ICA, the Green Fest at Government Center and Italian Fisherman's Feast in the North End... Taza Chocolate Factory holds four tours daily on both Saturdays and Sundays.

Last Sunday, some fellow bloggers and I went on a guided tour of the Taza Chocolate factory in Somerville. Tucked away amidst some pretty sketcky looking industrial buildings, Taza's location emits a smells from a mile away and I would highly recommend even just a visit to the store.

Based on traditional chocolate practices from the Dominican Republic (with the 87 % coming from Bolivia), Taza (meaning cup in spanish), prides itself on presenting the public with only the truest technique, with the best quality.

In a bar, or rather, a disc, of Taza chocolate, you will never find more than four ingredients, all of which are natural and the least distracting to the pure taste of chocolate. In fact, Taza chocolate was originally meant to be melted and drunk!

Tours are led by knowledgeable members of their team and Tom, our fearless leader, was clearly as enthusiastic and passionate as we were. There were no monotonous drones or glazed expressions at any point during our hour together!

Starting in the main shop where all of Taza's products are on display, we were able to meander around, sampling this and that until our entire party was assembled.

After a brief introduction that went something like this, 'Welcome...try some chocolate', we were brought to a wall mural and taken through the basic harvesting of a every little cocoa bean that goes from a tree in DR to the very factory we were about to enter.

The next step (after we had put on our lovely hair nets of course!) was into the storage unit which contains some pieces of antique processing equipment. Above we have their Barth Sirocco 200 (say that five times fast!) which is a roaster salvaged from a run down industrial building.

Every step of this tour was accompanied with visual aids and interesting tid bits on everything from harvesting to the very final step of packaging. Taza applies its same strict and honourable standards throughout every detail. Indeed, it currently does all of its packaging by hand (that's 3000 lbs of chocolate to wrap a week...) and only uses recycled products.

Near the end of the tour, we were shown the equipment used to grind the chocolate into its unique gritty-like state so characteristic of Taza products. This stone is in fact one of the stars of the Taza factory and is a hand carved work of art.

At the end of the tour, we were brought back full circle, to the main shop. We now had a much deeper appreciation for the chocolate we had earlier sampled and loved.

Tom was there to ask our many questions (we are a pesky bunch...) and never once did he loose an ounce of the enthusiasm he started off with. I found myself wanting to talk about chocolate in general and I would have kept going indefinitely but for the fact that our group was destined to move onto other Inman locations.

Before parting, we were each given a little goody bag and a wave. I can assure you that I will be visiting the factory again soon.

Oh and did I mention? Tours cost only five dollars a person...