A solid place to grab a drink and play a board game (Wednesday through Saturday, that is). Hotel bars aren’t my usual destination, but the Highball Lounge is spacious, relaxed, and unpretentious. Bar snacks are there for noshing, but not noteworthy.
Monthly Archives: January 2014
Commonwealth
On my first trip to Commonwealth, I was underwhelmed with my cocktail and the service. However, being that it was only a day or two after the opening and I didn’t even try the food, back I went for brunch. I’m happy to report that the food is good. Unfortunately, the service still needs perfecting.
Beignets – The first set came out and one beignet was missing the filling, but with the filling, excellent!
The Dirty Jersey – basic, but tasty
Hash & Eggs – Pastrami hash, yum!!
Pennypacker’s – Brick and Mortar
Lovely to have another dining option in Magoun Square! I had been hearing fantastic things about the porchetta sandwich from Pennypacker’s and for good reason, it’s delicious! This time I went with the onions agrodolce, but next time I’ll try it with pickled peppers.
Boston Burger Company – Somerville
Living near Davis Square I’m used to being surrounded by college students for most of the year. However, I must not be frequenting the same establishments as the bright minds of Tufts University because when I sat down at Boston Burger Company, surrounded by students (and even their friends standing over my table because they were on their way out but still chatting), I felt outnumbered and old. The burger list at BBC is long and it’s tough to make a choice, but I go with the Killer Bee (American cheese, bacon, onions, honey bbq sauce) and some fries (because their burgers are served with chips).
The fries come out first. I don’t know why, I remember saying I wanted them at the same time as the burger, but I’m hungry (maybe she knew?). If you’re a fan of thick steak fries, you’ll enjoy the fries here. Personally, I prefer a thinner cut. The burger is just okay. This isn’t my first time ordering a burger here either nd I always have the same comment – underseasoned. The onion rings and bbq sauce are the best part!
Loretta
A quick lunch in Newburyport. I was really hoping Brine served lunch, but they do not. After scoping out a few menus, we end up at Loretta, a suggestion from a local. The service was brisk and it seemed as though they wanted us out the door asap (even though there wasn’t a wait). Good news though, Newburyport Brewing Company is on draft and the pulled pork is $6.50. The food isn’t anything special, just your average neighborhood fare.
Pulled Pork & Mesclun Salad
Moxy
After pizza at Flatbread Company in Portsmouth, I’m in need for something sweet. The whoopie pies at Moxy fit the bill. Supposedly a customer favorite, they are not my cup of tea. The filling reminded me of a whipped version of Oreo cream filling (this may be a personal issue, I hate the cream in Oreos). However, the little pot of chocolate they serve the pies with is fantastic! Drizzling it over the pies causes it to harden, textural win! The bartender, Neal, was incredibly welcoming and did not judge us for only ordering dessert (which sometimes happens). I’ll definitely be back for dinner!
Tupelo
Cheap date night at Tupelo! If only the beers were cheap…
Your choice of a small gumbo OR a mixed greens salad, a side of our famous crispy cheddar grits, an entree to split AND a slice of pie… all for $30!
The meal was good overall; stars of the show were the gumbo, grits, and vanilla ice cream. I was too shy to ask for salt and pepper because I don’t like to hurt feelings, but I wish everything was a bit more seasoned. The cherry pie fell flat for me which was a huge disappointment considering that I love Petsi Pies. However, I will say that the ice cream was amazing and made up for the pie.
First things first, cornbread
Gumbo, who would pass that up for salad?
Fried Grits, yum!
Fried Chicken, jalapeno mac & cheese, collard greens, pickled red cabbage
Cherry Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream
Lone Star Taco Bar
Somewhere between the cabbage and the price ($6), I fell in love with the Victory Club Nachos at Lone Star. I dump hot sauce on them, have a beer or mug-arita (depending on the mood) and I am happy. Other things I like here are the guacamole, fish taco, and tostadas. The menu is simple and the service is always friendly, nothing not to like!
Sweet Potato Chickpea Curry
After many nights of eating red meat, I was craving a nice vegetarian meal. I heard that sweet potatoes were great to eat as a pick-me-up during winter months (lack of sunshine, seasonal depression, Boston in the winter) so I decided on this Sweet Potato and Chickpea Stew. Totally delicious and warming! As per usual I made some tweaks, added a bay leaf, served with bread instead of rice, and omitted the jalapeno. In my opinion, the recipe calls for too much water and I think the flavor is best when cooked for about an hour. Enjoy!
Ballast Point: Sculpin IPA
With an overwhelming number of breweries offering IPAs, it can be difficult to weed out the truly outstanding from the mediocre. However, if you cross paths with Ballast Point’s Sculpin IPA, don’t leave it behind. This orange hued IPA pours beautifully, with a crisp white head and the inviting aromas of tropical fruit and pine. The hops and malt are paired so well, it seems as if they share equal space inside the glass. This wonderfully blended symbiosis is topped off with just the right amount of light carbonation, adding to its drinkability.
Notes: 7% ABV | 70 IBUs | American IPA