UPDATE - You cannot forget the Cornbread!

'Buds!  Please accept our deepest apologies.  Did you notice something was missing from the Border Cafe revue?

Refresh your buds here

Thankfully I was reminded my reader/co-diner, Iesha, that I failed to mention Border Cafe's kick ass Corn Bread..  Neither of us have ever had a peice of corn bread quite so awesome. 

The outside is almost crispy and the inside is soft and spongey.  There a sticky consistancy that is similar to sponge cake.  It's so, so good and hardly crumbles into a mess at all.  That is a huge plus.  Most corn breads are so crummy!

Most dishes come with a side of the corn bread, but you may want to ask for an extra.  I did and I would do it again.  Don't dare me.

Stephi's on Tremont - "That's apostrophe "s". That shit is possesive!"

Stephi's on Tremont
http://stephisontremont.com/#13104858510131&true
Uh...Tremont Street.  #571 to be precise.
South End - Boston

Well, you may be familiar with Stephanie's on Newbury but have you walked the few blocks over to the South End yet?  Stephanie Sokolove, the queen of patio dining (and, Yes, of those Sokoloves.) has another hit on her hands over on Tremont Street.

I went.  You should, too.  Why?  Well, I'll tell you why.  It's really good.  Ok, blog over.

Alright, that doesn't seem very fair.  How about this?  Check out the menu.  Then you'll want to go.

http://stephisontremont.com/menu-winelist.htm#13104852091691&true

But even better still, I'll tell you what me and my pal JT had.

Let us suggest to you the Ricotta Gnocchi appetizer.  ($$$)  This is not your typical gnocchi in a creme or marinara sauce.  This appetizer is filled with sauteed leeks, onions, lemons in a light tomato broth.  You might find some picked mushrooms strewn about, as well.  Very funky, no?  Very good, yes.

As you'll see, there are many other fun dishes on the menu.  I am dying to go back and try the Salty Pretzel Crab Cake.  Now that sounds intesting.  Have you had it?  If so, let us know what you thought.

For dinner JT and I got the Braised Veal and the Roasted Pork.  The Veal was very good with a delicious sauce of tomatos, gorgonzola and balsamic.  Served with Tagliatelle, too.  One of my favorite style pastas.  Especially when it's served with warm, comforty food.  And it stands up really well to veals and braised short ribs and other meats of these natures.

The Pork dish was also really comforting, served with polenta and asparagus and dried fruit compote. 

Comfort food with flair is what Stephi is known for if you read up on her and her venues.  I think Stephi's on Tremont displays that very well.  I would definitely go back and sit outside on the patio, to enjoy the people watching while we dine.

And remember, forks: Hungry? Let Boston Revue find food for YOU. Call now for a toll free Foodsultation. If we don't get you the food you deserve, your Foodsultation is free. 1-800-BOSTONEATS.

Crossing the Border for the 1st time...

Border Cafe
www.bordercafe.com

Massachusetts Locations
Cambridge: 32 Church Street
Saugus: 356 Broadway (This is the location I visited)
Burlington: 128 Middlesex Turnpike

(There are locations in New Jersey and Delaware, too.  But you look those up on your own.)




Saugus Location



Hey 'buds!  Like most Bostonians who travel North over 4th of July weekend, we hit the bright (and sometimes tacky) lights of Route 1 North to begin our vacation last Friday.  The intention was to hit a place for dinner right in the heart of the it.  Border Cafe was the unanimous choice.

Now, it's true that Border is a chain, with locations stretching from the original in Cambridge, all the way to New Jersey ("Yeaaaah, buddy!).  And to be honest, I figured it was like most any other chain restaurant. 

Wrong. 

Let's start by discussing the Sangria.  Delish.  And when you're dining w/ Sangria snobs like Iesha and myself, you can take our word for it.  Good stuff.  And a very electric shade of purple, if I do say so myself.

The guacamole appetizer?  Worth every penny.  Garlicy and chunky.  Likin' it.  The chips and salsa are also addicting.

Now, my Vegisaurus friends, here is where you're gonna love this revue.
The Border Cafe kindly offers many Veggie options, clearly listed and highlighted on their menu.  See the page link at the top to direct to the menu.

As you know I am not a Vegisaurus.  I'm an equal opportunity eater.  A WhateverIwantasaurus.  And on this particular occasion the Veggie menu conquered all with the Corn & Black Bean Empanadas with Red Pepper sauce and white rice. 

I have never had an Empanada before.  But the mixture of corn, black beans and Monterey Jack cheese was enough to make it a new fav.  They were so filling that I had to take a doggie bag!  Luckily they  reheated well. 

Aside from this dish, there are many Veggie App and Entree options.  So if you're ever in Cambridge, Saugus or in the Jersey Shore smushing, stop in for a bite at the Border.

To my Veggie friends who do eat Seafood, we've got something for you, too. 

Originally the Border was Tex Mex when they first opened.  But along the journey they incorporated a little Cajun love into their creations.  This is apparent in the dish Iesha had: The Eggplant Royale, which is actually a replication of a French Quarter favorite.

The Eggplant Royale consists of lightly breaded eggplant slices that are then covered with lump crab meat and melted, gooey cheese, with a side of white rice.  It is phenomenal.  It may not look appealing to the eye at first, but trust me.  It is a complete winner.  (If you're a strict, strict Veg, don't worry.  There is another Eggplant dish on the Veg menu.)

So that's our story, 'buds.  Bring your best forks to whichever Border Cafe location you choose and chow down.  Bring your Veggie friends and everyone can dine happily.