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

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

A4 Cafe

IMG_0974A4, another Kendall Square standby. The pizza is delicious. The beer list has a ton of great choices and is constantly rotating. Having never been into their cafe for breakfast, I was excited to try their sticky bun (who can resist a sticky bun?). Forgive me for the missing picture, I was famished and it was delicious. The coffee, from Barrington Coffee Roasting Company, was equally delectable!

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Firebrand Saints

Firebrand Saints in Kendall Square is a reliable choice for a quick bite that’s going to leave you satisfied and without regrets. On Halloween night, we were lucky to stop by during a Pretty Things pint night (you get to keep the glass for each Pretty Things beer you order!). The service is always speedy and the food never disappoints!

Lamb & Sirloin Burger: spicy pickles, frisee & harissa aioli

Lamb & Sirloin Burger: spicy pickles, frisee & harissa aioli

Artepicure – Brunch Class

IMG_0937Artepicure is a cooking school in Somerville, MA run by Mark DesLauriers. The classes are small, usually limited to 8 people and it’s BYOB if you please. My first experience at Artepicure was the French couples cooking class. I fell in love with the space immediately, the class was fun, and I left full and happy. The evening classes usually end pretty late (I don’t think I left the French cooking class until 11pm) so I decided to try the brunch class next in order to leave at a reasonable hour.

Course 1: Tomato and goat cheese tart

Course 2: Buttermilk biscuits with chipotle sausage gravy and Spanish frittata

Course 3: Belgian chocolate brownies with caramel sauce

Another awesome class! The biscuits we made were the best I’ve ever had and the secret is a flour with lower gluten content (White Lily makes one). Each time I learn new tips and tricks from Mark and cooking with strangers is always entertaining. Be prepared to cook, mingle, and most importantly EAT! You won’t be disappointed!

Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart

Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart

Buttermilk biscuits with chipotle sausage gravy and Spanish frittata

Buttermilk biscuits with chipotle sausage gravy and Spanish frittata

Belgian chocolate brownies with caramel sauce

Belgian chocolate brownies with caramel sauce