Tag Archives: BosGuy

This past July Aaron Krug opened 3 Squares at 669 Highland Avenue in Needham, MA.  Krug remodeled the space so nicely you’d be hard pressed to recognize the building was once a Bickfords.  Three Squares, which takes its name from the concept of having three square meals a day, is open daily serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

If you live nearby or are looking for a convenient place to meet in the area, try this comfortable, family friendly restaurant that mostly caters to local residents. Dinner plates range from an affordable $12 for a plate of their Truffle Mac & Cheese to their most pricey item, Pan Seared Salmon for $18.

We started our dinner with the 3 Squares Chopped Salad ($11.50) which is large enough to split or have as a main plate. We ate only half of the salad before trying the Pesto Arancini ($6.99) that are shown above. The pesto, if added, was so subtle that I’d suggest either adding more or renaming it.  Regardless, these fried balls of risotto and cheese were satisfying and great for sharing.

The dinner menu includes a combination of fish, meats and pastas with a selection of burgers that looked good.  However we opted to try the Braised Short Rib Pappardelle ($13.99) and the Baked Atlantic Cod ($14.99).  The braised short rib made the pappardelle a heartier plate – probably better for the upcoming fall weather than the summer.  Far lighter – and better in my opinion – for a dinner on a warm summer night was the cod.

In the name of research, we sampled two desserts from 3 Squares menu; Star Spangled Berry Shortcake and Adam’s Apple ($6.95 each). I loved the presentation of the shortcake and the warm apple dessert was delicious.  I was rather proud of myself for showing restraint by not devouring all the melting whipped topping as it oozed into the apple and sharing with Sergio.

The second location of Five Horses Tavern at 535 Columbus Avenue in the South End opened a little more than two weeks ago, and this past weekend I stopped by for lunch.  Extensive renovations by Owner Dylan Welsh, GM Sarah Hanson and Chef Aaron Parsons have transformed the space. With the kitchen now in the basement, Five Horses Tavern can seat 74 inside and 20 on their patio in good weather.

The redesigned space will give you pause upon entry. You’ll first notice the new bar featuring 40 taps that seats 11 followed by a comfortable dining area filled with tables and booths. The decor has rich colors like hunter green walls, dark brown molding and exposed brick. The large windows facing Columbus Avenue helps to make the space feel open so the effect is more cozy than cramped.The menu is exactly what I would like to see more of in the South End (and especially in SoWa). It is filled with comfort food created with a twist that makes it distinctly their own and priced so one can visit again and again. The menu’s most expensive item is $19 but most items range between $11 – $18.

Chef Parsons has some favorite ingredients that reappear through out the menu. Leveraging the abundance of lobsters in Boston, he has four plates that include this crustacean. Pork belly, avocado and spicy ingredients like chilies and jalapenos also appear repeatedly on the menu.

We started with the Grilled Brie ($10), served with frisee, pomegranate seeds and honeyed almonds sprinkled with togarshi for additional flavor. The brie nicely spread over the lightly toasted bread, and I layered the frisee and almonds with the cheese to enjoy all the flavors and textures this plate offered.

Sergio ordered the Fried Chicken Sammy sandwich ($12) with a side of cheddar jalapeno mashed potatoes (as shown above). The sandwich was very satisfying and the potatoes lived up to their hype, but the wilted greens under the chicken and the bland bun could be improved upon.

I opted for the Tuna Tacos (3 for $16) served on flour tortillas with greens, jicama, avocado, and a blood orange chili glaze. These proved to be addicting. Upon biting into the taco I first tasted the blood orange glaze but the flavors of the seared tuna and shichimi dusting quickly follow. I loved the tacos and will definitely order these again.

Five Horses Tavern is a neighborhood pub that serves some delicious (and affordable) food with a friendly and knowledgeable waitstaff. Our server, Richelle, proved to be very helpful which only enhanced what turned out to be a favorable first visit to Five Horses Tavern. I’d suggest giving the South End’s newest restaurant a try.

Five Horses Tavern – 535 Columbus Ave. – 617.936.3930