Flatbread 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
Another 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?
Deviled eggs – a nice twist on the classic with a dollop of caviar
Fish and chips -good, but I’d like to try the duck tacos next time
Dates, bleu cheese, and bacon – tasty, maybe more cheese would have been nice
The Biltmore
I 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
Chocolate Bread
Snow days make me want to bake. Today, chocolate bread from Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day.
Guid Forder: Brooklyn Brewery
I’m ringing in the new year with a special section I call Guid Forder, or Good Luck. This is reserved for those wonderful occasions when I get to visit a craft brewery. Recently I was able to visit the esteemed Brooklyn Brewery and got to try some of their winter offerings. The visiting portion of the brewery contains a large open room with barrels for setting drinks down and large wooden tables for groups to sit. For $5 you can purchase a ticket that will buy you your choice of 6-8 draft offerings. The brewery can get packed, so get there early, take the tour and claim a spot.
First off was the Brooklyn Blast!, an Imperial IPA that lived up to its name. The crisp golden body and light carbonation masks the bold hop flavors. Pungent grapefruit and herbal notes emanate from the Blast’s nose. The finish is long, piney and full of citrus. Just try to keep in mind its ABV stands at 8.4%.
Next up was the Brooklyn Winter Ale, a refreshing and lightly spicy Scotch ale. The Winter Ale pours a deep amber color with a foamy white head. Lots of malt, carmel, and dark fruit waft from the nose. Biscuit and roasted malt linger on the tongue with a hint of spice that keeps on giving.
Overall, the Brooklyn Brewery was a wonderful treat. This flagship of craft breweries doesn’t disappoint. If you have a chance, especially on a weekday, drop by and enjoy some fresh Brooklyn beer.
Four In Hand 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
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
Cellar Burger
A weekend in Newport, RI
Day 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
Bag of Donuts
Surf and Turf
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.
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!!
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.
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!
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.
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
Estelle’s Boston
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
State Park
Located 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 Eggs
Cornmeal Catfish with Hush Puppies