Boston Burger Company – Somerville

killerbeeLiving 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).

friesThe 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

IMG_1621A 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

Pulled Pork & Mesclun Salad

Moxy

IMG_1632After 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

tupeloCheap 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

First things first, cornbread

Gumbo, who would pass that up for salad?

Gumbo, who would pass that up for salad?

Fried Grits, yum!

Fried Grits, yum!

Fried Chicken, jalapeno mac & cheese, collard greens, pickled red cabbage

Fried Chicken, jalapeno mac & cheese, collard greens, pickled red cabbage

Cherry Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream

Cherry Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream

 

 

Lone Star Taco Bar

IMG_1581Somewhere 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

IMG_1586After 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!

Patisserie on Newbury

IMG_1555Patisserie on Newbury is a great option if you need to add some variety to your coffee routine around Newbury Street. The French roast was surprisingly tasty and the croissant wasn’t bad considering my geographic location. A few details: seating is limited (3 tables), they do not open until 8am, and they carry a wide variety of specialty goods (but the prices are steep in comparison to other specialty shops).

Flatbread Company Somerville

IMG_1580Flatbread is a place that I can always count on to have good pizza and a great draft list. It’s a chain, but no matter which location I dine at, it’s always reliable (I’m trying to go to all of them, including the one in Maui!). The Somerville location is unique since it has a bowling alley attached. They have daily specials for meat and vegetarian pizzas. don’t forget to ask! If you end up loving their dough, they sell it so you can make your own pizza at home.

Gather

IMG_1574Another great addition to the Seaport restaurant landscape! Gather offers classics like fish and chips with inventive twists like curry tartar sauce. They share a space with Brew Cafe, but Brew is closed after 5pm so I’m not sure what the vibe is like when they’re both open. The draft list isn’t bad, especially for the Seaport area. I wasn’t overly pleased with my cocktail, but with Drink down the street, can you really compete?

IMG_1564Deviled eggs – a nice twist on the classic with a dollop of caviar

 

 

 

IMG_1572Fish and chips -good, but I’d like to try the duck tacos next time

 

 

 

IMG_1567Dates, bleu cheese, and bacon – tasty, maybe more cheese would have been nice

The Biltmore

IMG_1548I don’t have to wander too far to find a pub in my neighborhood, but looking for a change of scenery I found myself at the Biltmore in Newton. Deviled eggs, burgers, and eight televisions – a good football Sunday if you care for that type of thing. They have daily specials, several drafts on rotation, and beer flights for $10 if that tickles your fancy.

Biltmore Burger

Biltmore Burger