Four In Hand IPA

Four Hands IPA

This easy drinking Four in Hands IPA isn’t going to blow you away with intense hop aroma or bold malty character, but rather serves as a tasty session IPA. I haven’t had much experience with the Four in Hands brewery but the artwork, on this crafty can, piqued my interest. The beer pours a light copper color with slightly off-white foamy head. The nose smells faintly of pine and flora and finished with a subtle malty sweetness.

Notes: 6.3% ABV | American IPA

Garden at the Cellar

Foie Gras

Foie Gras

The Garden at the Cellar, a friendly bar tucked between Harvard and Central Squares, serves up some creative plates. You can order anything from foie gras to tater tots and anyone who keeps an egg sandwich on the menu for dinner is genius in my opinion. The menu is available both upstairs and downstairs (“the Cellar”). Most impressive was the foie gras served up with tender and creamy cider donuts!

Pork Belly Bun

Pork Belly Bun

Cellar Burger

Cellar Burger

 

A weekend in Newport, RI

IMG_1454Day 1

Off to a tasty start with dinner at The Mooring. The restaurant is huge and packed with patrons on a Friday night. With its waterfront location, I imagine the view is spectacular during summer months. We begin with oysters (amazing), bag of donuts (less exciting than I imagined), and tuna tartare (Asian inspired). For the main course, Surf and Turf with lobster tail and sirloin (steak is a bit tough) and a pear and Stilton salad (overly dressed for bibb lettuce). To finish the night off, we order the bread pudding (pudding is okay, but the sauce and ice cream are great). The service is speedy, with plates coming out of the kitchen as quickly as the order leaves my mouth.

Tuna Tartare

Tuna Tartare

Bag of Donuts

Bag of Donuts

Surf and Turf

Surf and Turf

Bread Pudding

Bread Pudding

Day 2

Coffee – Almond milk latte at the Coffee Grinder. In case you’re wondering, they have a small selection of pastries and sandwiches.

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Brunch – On our walk we happen upon Stoneacre Pantry; biscuits with butter and blueberry jam (I could have eaten that jam all day) and poached egg with hash (the hash was excellent!). I can’t wait to return for the chicken liver mousse!!

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Somewhere between lunch and dinner – snacks at Perro Salado (Guacamole – tortilla chips, tostones, pipians and Padron Chili Empanadas). The restaurant is located in the historic Decatur House and the combo of old New England and Mexican is charming and unique. They also have a sister restaurant called  El Perrito (smaller and byob). The lighting is dim and thus, no good photos.

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After the delicious margaritas and snacks we’re off to the mansions (Marble House and Elms) all decked out for the holidays with spiked eggnog to boot!

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More snacks later on at the Wharf Pub – tater tots. The bar area is cozy, bartender is incredibly nice, and their beer selection is more extensive than one might expect.

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 Day 3

Breakfast at Empire Tea and Coffee and then we’re heading back home with a small stop at Farmstead for cheese.

Breakfast Sandwich on a Bolo

Breakfast Sandwich on a Bolo

Estelle’s Boston

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Spicy Smoked-Chicken Liver Deviled Eggs & Buffalo Brussel Sprouts with Blue Cheese

It’s late, I’m hungry, and then I see Estelle’s – salvation and salivation! A few reasons to love them: they have a mug club; they put chicken liver in their deviled eggs; and they have Hoodsie cups for dessert. I don’t know if I’ll make it through all the beers, but I’m going to try my hardest!

Cajun Turkey Burger

Cajun Turkey Burger

 

State Park

IMG_1406Located underneath the Friendly Toast in Kendall Square, State Park is nothing like its sister restaurant Hungry Mother. The kitschy decor, games (arcade, pool, maybe more that I’m unaware of), and cozy booths all make for a laid back vibe. The service is great and the menu is simple. I’ll stress not to expect Hungry Mother caliber food, but the unique atmosphere is worth staying for a few drinks with friends and maybe a round of pool.

Pickled Andouille

Pickled Andouille

Pickled Eggs

Pickled Eggs

Cornmeal Catfish with Hush Puppies

Cornmeal Catfish with Hush Puppies

 

 

Ward 8

IMG_1372Newly opened Ward 8 is steps away from North Station and I’m relieved since winter has begun in Boston. The cocktails are delightful and the menu is full of great options. We look forward to returning soon (when they’ve had time to settle into the neighborhood).

IMG_1366Local Cheese Board – nothing out of the ordinary here, more crackers please

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_1369Lobster “Hole”

Black Swan

IMG_1301Brunch again – this time at Black Swan. It’s 11am and the bar is already full of customers watching the football game. We dine at the back of the restaurant underneath the skylight; a stark contrast to the dimly lit bar. They are known for making delicious bloody marys, but it’s strictly beer for me.

IMG_1307Two Organic Eggs

 

 

 

 

 

IMG_1305Rum French Toast – tastes like they use croissant bread, decadent!