Another Chain Steakhouse...That writes their name on their silverware

Smith & Wollensky
101 Arlington Street (in the Castle)
Boston, MA 02116
617-423-1112
http://www.smithandwollensky.com/sw-boston
Boston's Menu - Click here

Who wants a $47 Prime Rib that is actually worth it? We do, we do!  What about $33 Seared Scallops?  OK!  Now who needs to take a second mortgage out on their home?  Well, if we had one, We Would!

Remeber that time we went to Fleming's?  We weren't a fan.  Remember all our inquires as to what makes a steakhouse worth it?  Smith & Wollensky's is worth it, 'buds.  You're gonna be poor, but your belly will be full and your mouth will be happy.  What's a life if you don't overindulge every once in a while?

Trust me, your baby doesn't need diapers and you don't need to go shopping on tax free weekend.  You need to save those pennies and head to the Castle for some fancy service, a bottle wine, good friends and good food. 

Ok, now that we've made the same points in three different paragraphs, let's get into the "whys".  Here we go.  It's accessible to everyone.You live in the 'burb's?  No worries.  SW will valet for you.  $16.  Most lots will run you $20+, so there's a bonus right there.  So no excuses, non-city-dwellers.  You can make it happen.

You don't think you can afford for one person to order that Prime Rib?  You and your date can share it.  Who cares what the servers think?  It's big enough for 3 people to share, for that matter.  So don't let that stop you!  Sides?  Sure, they're a la carte.  So if you're going to pick any, we suggest the Mashed Potatoes.  Not a total shock, to you loyal readers, I'm sure.  They're amazing.  And they're magical for curing the next morning's hangover.  (And you will have one, because you will order a bottle a wine.  It's nonsensical to order per glass.)

If you're not a Prime-Ribber, you're most likely a Filet-er.  The fun part of ordering this (yes, ordering is fun) is that SW offers you 6 ways to have your Filet.  Gorgonzola and Au Poivre are just a couple of nice options.  But you may want to stick to Charbroiled.  Nice and simple. 

Maybe you're going with someone who doesn't want to order steak at the big, fancy steakhouse.  You don't have to; it's a diner's world.  Do you.  The Scallops are really nice.  The fresh veggie salad and gazpacho are nice along side it.  Ooo, and try the bread.  You cut it with a spoon.  Yes, a spoon.  The same spoon that has Smith & Wollensky written on it.  It's their spoon!  Don't steal it. 

Your waiter may be chatty and overly attentive.  That's ok.  The truth is, he knows everything and will take good care of you.  So let it slide if he's over.at.your table. every. five.seconds.

PS - You don't have to be at the Ritz circa 1923 to order the Side Car.  Have one after dinner. Good stuff. 

Enjoy, 'buds!

Another Restaurant week outing: Sorellina

Ever been to Mistral?  If you like it, you should check out the sister restaurant: Sorellina.

Sorellina
1 Huntington Ave
Boston, Ma
www.sorellinaboston.com

 

Our table

 Mini revue for you on Sorellina.  Here's a list of what we liked:

*The White Peach Bellini
*The bottle of Malbec we orderd for the table
*The plates

*The Polpette app on the RW menu
 *The Zuppa!  Delish.








Things that make you go hmmmmm....

*Waitstaff chringing when a steak was ordered well done.  Ok, we know a chef is going to curse us if we order that way, but keep your opnions to yourself.  And so what if someone inquires about steak sauce?  Is it that offensive to just ask?  My personal insight, as a former server.

*The crumbsweeper.  Fine, clear our plates.  But it's weird when you're trying to have a conversation and someone's arm is popping in and out of your line of vision to sweep crumbs away.  We're ok with the crumbs for now.  Take care of it when we leave.  Not after appetizers.

*Napkin folding when a guest leaves their seat.  Felt like we were at a wedding.

*Other clientele.  Manuevering around the restaurant and the entrace/lobby was extremely hard when people do not respond and/or move to a polite (and then aggitated) "excuse me". 

*Risotto - one good order, one soupy order of the same meal.  Flavors all there.  But one had a soupish quality.


And end.

More reasons to love 224

More love for 224.  I can't help it.  It's too good.  And hey, everyone's got to have their neighborhood favorite.  If you don't have one, you can share mine.

Why do we love you even more, 224?  Because.  It is Restaurant week, yet again, in Boston.  And guess what?  At 224 you can mix and match your menus.  No penalties.  No "fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine" and deep sighs from the waitstaff.  They suggest it!  So you may want to order the delicious Three Cheese Eggplant Rollup appetizer off the RW menu, whiling opting for the classic Meatloaf entree from the daily menu.  The sky's the limit.

Another thankful feature: they do not mind if you would like to order a meal "without".  If you don't want olives on your hummus platter, no problem!  If you don't want the red pepper relish on your Fig and Goat cheese pizza, that's fine.  The accommodations are much appreciated.

And you know I'm going to praise their drink menu yet again.  This time I'll suggest to you the Drag Queen Mai Tai.  Ask for it in a pint glass with extra ice.  Heavenly.

Let me finally add, sitting outside for the first time was fantastic.  Bright, colorful, cushy pillows and blankets?  Yes please. 

Don't worry, 'buds.  We've been trying other restaurants.  Stay tuned for a mini revue of Sorellina and a big fatty revue of Gaslight!

What have you been eating?

Hey 'buds!  How are we enjoying the summer?  As you see, we've been on hiatus.  Travel, vacation, cookouts, etc.  The typical New England things crammed into 2 1/2 months of sun.

Recent dining experiences for us: Owl Station and Sorellina ( http://www.sorellinaboston.com/home.html ).  A fun little outing was had at the Brahmin on Stanhope (the former 33).  Lots to share with you Forks.

To stay tuned for: More 224, Gaslight and Smith & Wollensky.  Maybe even some fun posts about Sangria...you'll have to see!

So where have you been dining?  Tell us!  And check back for new blogs!