Chefs, shuckers, and bivalve lovers will gather to eat, drink, and have fun in the South End this Sunday. Attendees will also be able to meet Chef Barbara Lynch, Top Chef Season 10 winner Kristen Kish and finalist Brooke Williamson.
More than 25 South End restaurants and oyster farms will make this year’s Oyster Invitational the largest yet.
Sunday, May 5th – 1PM to 6PM for general admission
For more information and to purchase tickets to this event, link here.
Last week I was invited to attend a dinner at Boston’s Ruth’s Chris to try wines from the Francis Ford Coppola winery in Alexander Valley in California. Coppola’s wine maker, Corey Beck, was on hand to share stories about the winery and the famous director who’s name is behind the wines. The evening introduced me to Sophia Blanc de Blanc a sparkling wine very reminiscent of Italian Prosecco’s and really quite excellent with the passed hors d’oeuvres.
The first course included a refreshing chilled shellfish salad complete with tiger shrimp, spring greens with a generous portion of crab meat atop and lightly dressed with a white balsamic accompanied by Coppola’s 2011 Diamond Chardonnay. Following the salad was a wild mushroom risotto that was paired with a 2010 Votre Sante Pinot Noir. I prefer bigger reds, but this went nicely with the creamy risotto and I think has broad appeal. You could easily serve this red without food at parties.
The third course was a generous portion of surf and turf; 8 oz filet and lobster tail stuffed with creamy spinach and Romano cheese. Sadly the lobster was the only part of the meal that wasn’t cooked perfectly, but all was forgiven because the filet was cooked to perfection and and complemented the 2010 Diamond Claret (loved this wine). The final course – dessert – included a decadent flourless chocolate cake that was rich and sinful, just like the menu promised. The wine paired with the dessert was the 2010 Director’s Cut Cabernet that also nicely complemented the rich dark chocolate dessert.
The dinner at Ruth’s Chris was as delicious as it was relaxing; chalk this one up to a perk to being a Boston blogger. My sincere thanks to Coppola Winery and the handsome Corey Beck shown above with Sergio and me.
Last week I attended The Taste of Columbus Hospitality Group at Mistral. The event was designed to romance Boston food bloggers (and it worked); the Columbus Hospitality Group (CHG) owns Mistral, Teatro, Sorellina, Mooo…., and L’Andana Grill. Each restaurant set up stations featuring tempting foods. Additionally, passed hors d’oeuvres and a bar serving delicious seasonal cocktails ensured there was plenty to eat and drink for the room of 100+ bloggers who attended the event.
Returning to Mistral reminded me just how much I love the space, the staff and of course, the food. I hadn’t realized CHG also owned Teatro in the Theater District, Sorellina in the Back Bay, Mooo… in Beacon Hill and L’Andana in Burlington, MA. Aside from spending an enjoyable evening with my good friend, 40-Something Life, I loved meeting other Boston food bloggers and the staff from the CHG restaurants. 
Shown above was one of the delicious cocktails I referenced above – SpringThyme – made with vodka, rhubarb, thyme, lime and soda; as well as Mistral’s always delicious sushi grade tuna tartare.
The Taste of CHG proved to be a hit with fellow bloggers. My compliments and sincere thanks to Mark D’Alessandro, the general manager of Mistral, and his fantastic staff for hosting such a wonderful evening.
Should you find yourself interested in checking out one of these restaurants, I’d urge you to consider visiting them tomorrow. On Wednesday, May 1st, a portion of all sales from the Columbus Hospitality Group restaurants will be donated to The One Fund to help the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings.
Next Saturday food trucks from New York City and Boston will compete in various contests all day long for a chance to win the title of Best Food Truck.
DATE: Saturday, May 4, 2013 TIME: 11am – 9pm LOCATION: The Greenway, Boston – Between State & India Streets EVENT WEBSITE: foodtruckthrowdown.com
Last week I sat down with the Chef de Cuisine at Gaslight Brasserie du Coin in Boston’s South End to talk about the new brunch menu the restaurant rolled out last month. “Gaslight” as locals refer to it is one of the largest restaurants in the neighborhood consistently serving 350+ people on Saturday and 500+ on Sunday for brunch. With the patio soon to open and this new brunch menu offering some welcome additions those numbers are likely to creep higher. For those who enjoy the menu, fear not much remains the same, but several plates have been tweaked and new temptations await if you’re looking for something new.
One of the restaurant’s best selling items that was tweaked is the Steak and Eggs $15.75 and it is absolutely delicious. Served alongside potatoes that are cooked in duck fat then fried the steak is topped with caramelized onions and comes with a meurette sauce that is made with “lots of red wine” (that’s Chef’s Zentner’s words not mine and I’m 100% okay with that), garlic, onions and bacon.
Gaslight has also added a savory crepe to the brunch menu Crepes Parisienne that includes smoked ham, compte cheese, sunny up egg & mornay sauce for $9.50. I love crepes but never ordered the banana crepes, because I crave something more salty in the morning.
However, my favorite addition to the menu and one of the best selling items has been the Berkshire Pork Hache $14.75. The hand mixed bread, potatoes and pork are fried with a bit of Louisiana crystal hot sauce (not to worry this isn’t going to set your mouth afire) and served with an egg on top. I highly recommend with a Bloody Mary from the bar.
If you haven’t been to Gaslight for brunch in a while you may want to put this on your list of locations to try soon. Check out the new brunch menu here. And be on the look out for an updated dinner menu later this week.
Gaslight Brasserie du Coin Brunch is served from 9am – 3pm Saturday and Sunday 560 Harrison Avenue in Boston’s South End (617) 422-0224
Earlier this week, Eater Boston reported that the Pu Pu Hot Pot, a Chinese restaurant that has served meals in Cambridge’s Central Square for two decades will now become a new restaurant called The Dumpling Room.
The Boston Globe’s annual restaurant tournament modeled after the NCAA’s spring basketball tournament bracket, brings together 64 restaurants that are divided roughly between contestants from the previous year and new entrants.
After more than a week, the 2013 Munch Madness has moved into the Final Four, pitting Craigie on Main vs. Hungry Mother and Gaslight vs. Oleana. Who will survive and go on to the finals?
Cast your vote today. Voting for the Final Four ends on Friday, March 29th.
Tagged BosGuy, Boston, Boston Guy, Dining, The Boston Globe
The ownership of the building that houses Francesca’s Cafe in the South End quietly changed hands at the end of 2012 in what is rumored to have been a cash deal. The new owner is South End resident, Fredmond Kiley the 4th.
Are the days numbered for Francesca’s Cafe in the South End?
The building was bought with Francesca’s lease intact, but it is unclear how many more years remain on that lease and the reason that is of interest is because rumor has it the new landlord would prefer a high end restaurant and cafe. Who can say if Francesca’s would be forced out when their existing lease expires but if that comes to pass it is unlikely the popular cafe would be able to find another home in the neighborhood it has served for nearly 20 years.
What are your thoughts? Would you miss Francesca’s or would you prefer to see something else go into this prime location in the neighborhood?
The Glynn Hospitality Group’s ninth restaurant in Boston, Sterling’s, will open any day now. After several delays, this 80 seat restaurant with a monster-sized patio in the 60 State Street building will open for lunch, dinner and of course cocktails.
Straddling Faneuil Hall and Boston’s Financial District, it isn’t hard to imagine professionals sipping martinis after work, while nibbling on bar snacks before heading home – and that is precisely what The Glynn Hospitality Group hopes will happen. Upon entering Sterling’s you will immediately recognize the decor is inspired by the early 1960s; or to put it in the context of current pop culture – think Mad Men. Menu prices range from $8 – $20, making this affordable enough to grab lunch or dinner regularly. Sterling’s will also have lots of options in the Bar Snacks section of the menu, that include items like stuffed quahogs ($8). The Appetizers & Salads section of the menu have prices ranging from $8-$12 and include items like moules frites.
Photo Credit: Melissa Ostrow
With a large lunch crowd expected one can assume the menu’s Sandwiches will be an excellent option. The croque monsieur for $12 looks both budget conscious and appealing enough to eat a couple times a week. The menu also has a section called Mains with larger plates for those looking for something more substantial. The beef stroganoff for $18 looks more than reasonable and may be one of their best sellers. In the warmer months, Sterling’s will appeal to those who relish dining al fresco with a huge patio that can accommodate 100+ seats.
Photo Credit: Sergio Mazon
Sterling’s is located in 60 State Street Building and will accept online reservations through OpenTables once they open. Should you find yourself in Faneuil Hall or Boston’s Financial District keep Sterling’s in mind and check it out – then email me and tell me what you think.
Since the season officially closed last year there have been a number of changes regarding restaurants and dining options in Provincetown. I’ll continue to update what I hear is happening as I learn more.
Probably the biggest surprise for me was to learn that Frappo’s at the Art House is no more. Replacing the popular eatery will be Blondies Burger. Blondies previous location on Commercial Street will remain but undergo changes that include upgrading the menu.
Look for big changes at Tip for Tops’n on Bradford Street. The restaurant is now being operated by Chef Melissa Ettlinger from the East End restaurant, Devon’s.
Tip for Tops’n had previously been a relatively cheap eats, but one would surmise that under Ettlinger’s direction the new menu will more likely mimic the modern American cuisine that is her signature – time will tell.
Lastly, Lorraine’s, which started in the East End but has resided on Commercial Street in the West End for years is now looking for new space. It appears that a wine bar will go into the space and be operated by the owner of The Squealing Pig and the former owner of the now defunct Joon Bar (above Vixen). They are currently seeking permits from the city so nothing is confirmed.
The Boston Globe’s annual restaurants tournament, Munch Madness, modeled after the NCAA’s spring basketball bracket has started again. Sixty-four restaurants have been plotted in the Globe’s restaurant bracket but only one can win. Make your picks now – voting for round 1 starts today, March 20th and runs though March 21st.
Tagged BosGuy, Boston, Boston Guy, Dining, The Boston Globe
With more than 200 participating restaurants in the Boston area participating it is hard not to notice that Restaurant Week (or should I say weeks) is about to start, running from March 17-22 and 24-29th. Three course dinners cost $38.13 and $20.13 for lunch. If this is your first time making reservations during Restaurant Week, consider the following tips or guidelines.
– Not all participating establishments are worth visiting. Restaurants serve 3 courses from a Prix Fixe menu for $38.13. If most of the restaurant’s main plates are less than $20.00 you are not likely paying more than you would normally and being forced to order from a limited menu.
– Restaurant Week is designed to bring crowds into restaurants during a time that is normally quiet. To avoid the crush and not compromise on the service, make reservations for Monday or Tuesday; it’ll be a better experience for you.
– Select a restaurant you have never had a chance to visit. Use the opportunity to explore new places. You may be pleasantly surprised and discover a new favorite. There certainly are a lot of new options here in the South End.
Recently Aquitaine in the South End expanded their lunch menu, which they serve Monday thru Friday starting at 11:30am. The menu has updated some of the restaurant’s best sellers like the Salade Nicoise ($13.95) and the Shrimp Salad Tartine Sandwich ($12.95). Other popular new items include the Ploughman’s Lunch, which comes with a house pate, cheese, house pickles and a fresh baguette ($12.95), as well as the “MLT” marinated mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, lettuce and herb goat cheese on toasted sour dough bread ($9.95).
Aquitaine Boston MLT sandwich $9.95
Aquitaine has retained their lunch special which includes the choice of a soup and sandwich or salad as well as a soda or coffee for $12.95. For lunch we tried the turkey club, onion soup and a side of fries.
Aquitaine Boston’s lunch special $12.95
Both meals proved to be delicious and the service we received from our waitress, Ludgiie, was both prompt and professional making it easy to get in and out of Aquitaine with enough time to get back to the office quickly. The newly expanded menu offers patrons a large selection that includes breakfast items, salads, classic plates as well as delicious sandwiches. I’d definitely recommend checking out this place for lunch the next time your contemplating where to go. You can view the new menu online here.
Posted in Dining, Restaurant Review
Tagged BosGuy, Boston Guy, Dining, Restaurant Review
Boston Chops opened yesterday in Boston’s South End neighborhood, and it’s opening may be the best evidence the recession is behind us. Owners, Brian Piccini and Executive Chef, Chris Coombs, are betting they can lure clientele from the neighborhood and beyond to keep this space busy beyond the opening week buzz. With a price point that averages between $30 – $39 for most main dishes, this also marks a departure from recent restaurant openings that had lower price points, but then again the menu prices are consistent with the city’s other steak houses even if they are higher than neighboring restaurants.
Since so much has been written about the restaurant already, I thought I would focus on their menu which centers around their signature plate, Steak Frites. At Boston Chops you may select the cut of meat you would like and you may enjoy as many frites you may consume. The cuts available make this signature plate range from $24 for the flat iron cut to $39 for the filet.
Starters – with items like sushi grade fluke ceviche for $11, Caesar salad for $9 and mussels for $14 there is a little of something for everyone.
Rarely Celebrated – this section of the menu concentrates on parts to the cow not usually served in steak houses, like bone marrow for $9.
Entrees / Ocean & Other – these two sections combine to provide patrons with a wide range of meals including cuts of beef, seafood, chicken and pasta plates. Prices range from $19 – $39.
Sides – like many steakhouses there is plenty to tempt you, but what caught my eye was the poutine style twice baked loaded potato for $12; definitely not a low-fat option but one I know I’ll be trying.
Look for pictures of these tempting items and a restaurant review in the weeks that follow. Should you have a chance to stop by Boston Chops, let me know your thoughts about the new restaurant. My congratulations and best of luck to the owners and staff.
Boston Chops (617) 227-5011 / 1375 Washington Street in the South End
Last week I was invited to attend an event hosted by the Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts (SBN) at The Granary Tavern. This nonprofit’s mission is to build a Massachusetts economy that is local, green, and fair. They currently organize several programs but are probably best known for the Boston Local Food Festival held each fall.
Chef Keenan from The Granary Tavern was tasked by the SBN to pull together a tempting 3-course dinner for a crowd of approximately 50+ people using only locally sourced ingredients (down to the flour and salt used). For those who live outside of New England you may not realize how difficult this can be during the height of our winter, but I have to tip my hat to Chef Keenan who did an admirable job. The dinner was both social and educational – driving home the point that even here in the winter, one may buy locally grown foods and prepare nutritionally balanced, delicious meals.
Dinner started with a salad made with assorted lettuce, parsnips, apples, and cheese. The crunchy parsnip strips, cubed apples and tangy vinaigrette contrasted nicely with the soft goat’s cheese and buttery lettuce flavors. And as you can plainly see in the photo below – everything looked fresh.
Following the salad, I had high hopes for the main course which I had ordered. The second course was a grilled Angus hanger steak served on a bed of root vegetables with a rich sauce; I believe it was a hollandaise – it was delicious.
The final course of the evening was a baked Alaska made with maple syrup ice cream and drizzled with extra maple syrup for additional flavoring. I’d never had a baked Alaska before but this was light and sweet. I love real maple syrup and it was the inclusion of this local ingredient more than any other that tempted me, while I scraped my plate clean, finishing off the baked Alaska. 
In the past I’ve written about local farmer’s markets and my interest in purchasing food that is locally sourced (for example The Foodery post in January) . Do you purchase food from a farmer’s market? Do you notice a difference in the quality / freshness of that food? How important is this to you?
BosGuy 