A summery Thursday evening @ Siros - Marina Bay

Siros Restaurants
307 Victory Road
Quincy, MA 02171
http://www.sirosrestaurants.com/

http://www.sirosrestaurants.com/Dinner.html

If you'll remember correctly, last Thursday was a beautiful day.  Sun shining, temperatures sky-rocketing.  A great opportunity to get oneself into an outdoor dining experience.  With friends!

We'll mark this outing to be one of the best of the year, to be quite frank.  The outdoor component, the company, the food.  The hilarious waiter who knew we were the right table to handle his sarcasm and witt.  All around good.  But let me back up a little bit.

Dinner reservations at Siros were set for 6pm, which was pretty smart.  We were the 2nd group to be seated outside - no wait.  Shortly afterwards the outdoor section filled to capacity and it was a fun, happening night.  But getting in before the rush was greatly satisfying.

Now, being at dinner wit all the gals, Mother, Sister, the Scanclan and Cro-dogs, the drink menu was being passed around more than a pipe at a jam band concert.  "I'm getting this." "I'm getting that." "I'm gonna throw up.".  There were lots of drinks.  The one that stood out was the Pomegranate Sparkle, which is a delicious and dangerous champagne drinks.  But we tried the Lemon martini, the Mango Punch and the Peartini.  Just avoid the Cantaloupe Martini, unless you really like orange juice.  Then go for it.

Instead of appetizers for the table, we just kept asking for more bread and hummus.  Thank you to the wise, wise human (or otherwise) who made the bold decision to replace butter pads with hummus.  Butter, you can kiss my you-know-what because I never liked you and often skipped out on some pretty amazing breads because of you.  Hummus.  Never leave me.

Ordering salads was as much a production for 7 woman as ordering the drinks.  "Oh, you're getting that one?  Want to share?  No?  Changed your mind?  Ok, can I have a sip of your drink?".  I think it took a good 25 minutes to order salads.

The Red and Yellow Beet salad w/ Gorgonzola Cream was the best salad.  There.  I said it.  Sorry to you friends who ordered the Wedge, Mediterranean and Caprese salads (all raves), but there can only be one winner.  And I write the blog, so...

I will say that the buffalo mozzarella in the Caprese Salad was the best I've tried in a long time.  (Beets, you're stll the best.)

About 4 hours later we ordered our Entrees.  Let me tell you, are we co-dependent orders.  Between the 7 of us, we got 2 sets of duplicate orders.  2 orders of the Beef Risotto with Spinach and Asiago and 2 orders of the Seafood Risotto.  Both  were exceptional.  The Seafood came with large shrimp, mussels and a scallop.  All excellent (although I'm sure you know I gave away my shrimp.). 

We also had orders of Chicken Piccatta and Chicken Marsala.  The Chicken Piccatta had capers the size of olives and the Marsala came with a side of Mashed Ginger Sweet Potato.  So #$(*#$&(# delicious.  All of it.  Everything I just wrote about.  Winners. 

There may have been a few more drink orders going around.  I do believe I recall hearing the words "Vodka Gimlet" in there.  Anything that includes the word Gimlet is awesome.

Dessert.  Dun-da-dun-dun...dun!  I couldn't even look at another piece of food.  But then M.A. ordered the Cheesecake that tasted like Ricotta Pie and I suddenly had lots of extra room in my tummy.  We also had a White Chocolate biscuit with Sorbet and berries.  A Flan dish, too.  I am pretty sure everyone liked their desserts, but I had a Gollum-type hold on this cheesecake.  Totally delicious.

In conclusion...I don't even know.  Siros is fabulous, the service is friendly and the drinks are powerful.  Oh, and the view.  Did I mention the view?  Beautiful on a clear, summer night.  Get your reservations in and don't show up too late.  You'll be outta luck!

Cheers!

Game 7: Where's Boston Watching?

Boston Bruins vs Vancouver Canucks - GAME 7
http://bruins.nhl.com/club/schedule.htm
WED June 15 8:00pm - Can you handle it???

Let's do it B's - no jinxies, no backsies

Is the nausea setting in?  How about the cold sweats?  Did you get enough sleep last night?  Don't tell me you didn't even see the game!  Blasphemy.  If you need a recap, check it out here. 

So now the big decisions need to be made.  Where are you going to WATCH Game 7?  Weather you're a die-hard, bandwagon or straight up indoor-kid, we're all going to be watching in some capacity.  Don't fool yourself.  This is exciting.

Canal St

Off the top of my head, my first instinct would be to hit the best sports (and best Bruins) bar that I know of by North Station.  And I know you know it.  Say it with me now, people: Sully's!  Sullivan's Tap is a great dive bar with real people, real fans and one long as bar with stools that'll kill your posture.  Classic.  Play some pool or some jams on the juke box to pass the intermissions away.  Just don't forget to bring cash!  And make some friends.  I always talk to the best people when I'm there.  Plus, the fun part here would be being so close to the Garden.  It'd be super fun mayhem on Canal & Causeways streets, should the game go as Bostonians hope (no jinxies).





Right next to Back Bay

 Another scenario might be that you're just getting out of work and want to grab a bite and some beers right when that 5 o'clock whistle sounds.  My ol' after-work-stomping-grounds was Clery's over on Dartmouth Street, by Back Bay Station.  Pop over, store the lap top under your bar side table and grab some apps.  If the weather is nice and the windows are open you can shout out pleasantries to your fellow Bruins nation as they pass.  We'll all be friends on Wednesday!



Southie & Quincy

 But maybe you're just outside the city.  Southie. Quincy.  The first place that comes to mind for me here is The Stadium.  Now granted, this may not be my favorite everyday hang out.  But I will definitely go for sports events and if my friends are all meeting there.  And I might treat myself to a Fried Twinkie Sundae, who knows.  You could definitely meet a big crowd of your friends here and share some apps before face off.




The last option, that actually sounds really good to this Bostonian, sitting on my couch, with Roomie, eating dinner and stalking updates on Facebook.  I will virtually high-five all my FB friends when we knock down the Sedins and own every power play.  We've watched every win in the Dot, while chomping on Mexican food, so it's only right to keep the tradition alive.  If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Before Facebook era

So where will you be watching?  My little list is nothing compared to the hundreds of possibilities that Boston has to offer.  Let us know your plans and keep in touch on Wednesday!  No matter where you are, let's watch together (insert hand-holding music here).

Go B's!

First Cone of the Season!

Bubbling Brook
1652 High Street

Westwood, MA 02090
www.bubblingbrook.net

 
Well, I had to it.  I had to escape the four walls of my 9-5 cage and treat myself to the first Bubbling Brook run of the year.  It was worth those extra scandalous minutes that exceeded my communistic lunch break.  Living on the edge, doing it all for ice cream.
 
As always, I get a small Chocolate/Vanilla twist.  (I have a favorite order at every ice cream shop.)  But you may be wilder, like my girl LMc, who loves Pistachio with a Cherry Dip.  Now, growing up, I was never allowed to have my cones dipped because they were messy.  Unless my great grandmother took me, then I could get whatever the hell I wanted.  And now as an adult, fully capable of handling the dip and it's fast melting mess, I pass.  Hey mom, I guess I did listen to you!
 
If I'd had my way, I would have eaten my ice cream old school style, sitting in my car in the parking lot until every last bite was gone.  But no, the rat race wouldn't allow it.  Instead I had to whiz (he he) back to work, driving with one hand and inhale my treat as soon as possible.  Hopefully no one missed me.
 
I'm sure lots of you will be heading to Bubbling Brook this summer.  And if it's not in your area, take the trip over and splurge.  You may even want to sit inside and get some dinner!
 

Get yourself a cone today, people!  Don't let the summer pass you by.

A little LV, a little NKOTBSB, a lot of rain.

La Verdad (a Ken Oringer venue)
1 Lansdowne Street

Boston, MA
www.laverdadtaqueria.com

In between Jillian's & Bill's Bar

After stumbling around in the pouring rain, having just excited the NKOTBSB mayhem, I would have parked mi arse anywhere.  Even that insipid Tequila Rain.  Yes, I said it.  I-N-S-I-P-E-D.  The lines were out the door for every bar or club in the area, except for La Verdad.We were skeptical and relieved. 

I kid you not when I say that me and friends were soaked to the core, teeth chattering, sentences unforming, miserably drenched.  Somewhere between wanting it that way and hangin' tough, the skies had opened up, turning the concert at Fenway into a water park side show.  It did also force Donnie Wahlberg to rip off his shirt, so you know.  Not all bad.

Now, again, the exit.  It was miserable.  We almost had to fight some bitches, people were walking like dingleberrys on parade and the rain just would not stop.  When we stepped inside La Verdad, I had no idea what to expect.  I don't frequent Landsowne Street too much these days for Night Life, so I am not ashamed to say that this Boston Revuer had no clue that we had just stepped foot inside a Ken Oringer venue (think KO Prime, Toro, Clio, etc).

The second the waitress came over she said something about wanting our drink order and I sort of barked, "Chips, salsa....GUACAMOLE!".  (Sorry lady) There was a Bud Light order in there somewhere, but I never drank it.  (I'd had too many at the concert on account of the the fact that I invented a drinking game: When Backstreet Boys comes on, go get beer.)  And no one ordered the Margaritas, which LV is known for.  Next time.

The chips and such were delicious.  We had to get a second round before the other food even came out.  Our ordering was sort of all over the map.  Iesha got a salad, I got an appetizer and Kath got an Entree.  I don't think we were right in the head.  But no matter, because everything was good.

The hit of the drunken dinner was Kath's entree, the Carne Ascada.  The steak was perfectly cooked/spiced and delicious.  After stalking the Internet for other research on LV, I noticed that other sites raved about this same dish.  My girl knows how to pick 'em!

We sat in this little room, off the bar.

Iesha got the Ceaser Salad, no onions, which was very good.  Very large portion, too.  I think it was reproducing/multiplying as she was eating it. 

And in a most random order, I got the Grilled Corn.  Yup.  Just a plate of corn.  Pfft, just a plate of corn?  Are you joking?  This was one corn cob divided in two, covered in Chipotle Aioli and Cotija Cheese (which was in all our dishes I might add, and stellar.).  Oh man-alive.  Rain on me all day long, I don't care.  So long as I can have my Grilled Corn from LV. 

So if you go out for a night of pretentious clubbing in shoes that are too tall and need to take a break, hit up La Verdad and order the Grilled Corn and Guacamole to start.  Be sure to get the Carne Ascada, too.  Or tell your friends to, if you're not into steak.  Someone will be glad to have it!

And, you should probably try the margarita, since it's supposedly legendary.  Like Donnie....oh Donnie.

NKOTBSB & LV = AWESOME (That's not an acronym.  I just mean "awesome".)

Bagpipers, Drunks and Thyme, oh my! A Revue of the Harp + Bard.

harpbard.com


1099 Dot Ave

 The Harp + Bard 
1099 Dorchester Ave
Dorchester, MA


 
A nice little Sunday @ the H+B is a good way to top off a weekend.  Walking in to a room full of Bagpipers is even better!
 
I'm sure these talented Bagpipers are not always hanging around the bar.  I'm fairly certain it had something to do with the fact that it was Dorchester Day and a parade had just ended.  Nonetheless, as we were seated, they exited at full volume.  It was beautiful.  Brought a tear to our eyes.  And then the beer and menus showed up and quickly moved on.
 

Before our waitress (the only waitstaff member on duty) could even say hello, I ordered Onion Strings.  They're a fav of mine & Roomie's.  Our play Sarah Tags really enjoys a good onion, so we knew she would enjoy them as well.  And although we felt a little full from our appetizer and some pre-gaming we did back at home, we all ordered entrees.
 
I had the baked Haddock which was not fun.  Too much Thyme. One of my all time favorite spices.  But it was overkill.  The mashies were great, though!  Roomie had a Queen size Prime Rib, which was so giant, I couldn't even imagine what the King Size would look like. 
 
Chris & Ally had the Steak Tips and the Fried Clam Bellies, respectively.  I feel like the steak tips are the real gem at H+B.  Roomie's had them before, I've had them before.  They're pretty consistent.  Our friend Chris cleared his little plate like a good doobie, so you know he liked them.
 
Moving on to the Veggie Pizza, it looked fantastic and the revue from Sarah confirmed.  Lots of bright spinach, olives, tomato, no mushrooms. 
 
For those of you readers who are familiar with the Norwood area, I would describe H+B as a cross between Conrad's and Lewis's.  There is something very familiar about it.  Maybe it was the drunk guy that tried to hug us and knocked the "Please Wait To Be Seated" sign onto our table...but I can't pinpoint it.
 
Every adventure over to the Harp + Bard has been a good one for me and anyone in my company.  I would definitely suggest it for dinner and/or just drinking at the bar.  In which case, you can play the juke box all night and watch TV.  There are many TVs.  And in the summer, there's always outdoor seating in the back!
 
H+B = Good stuff.  But they might want to bring on a staff of full-time Bagpipers and kick out the creeps who knock shit over.

Joe Fish Revisted

Joe Fish - You know it!

http://bostonrevue.blogspot.com/2011/03/tasty-guest-blog-from-north-shore-its.html

Hey buds!  I want to fill you in on the best Fish n Chips I've ever had.  You may recall that a few months back we had a Guest Blogger, who wrote a really fun revue about Joe Fish, up on the North Shore.  (See above link to refresh your memory.)

Well!  I just happened to be up that way for a Miss Iesha's dance recital and our little group made the brilliant decision to celebrate over at JF.  I was so excited, as I often get overly excited at the prospect of food.

Their newspaper style menu was filled with a lot of tempting items.  Every Haddock dish caught my eye, especially the Haddock Maria which was covered in tomatoes, wine, artichokes and capers.  That was a top contender for me.  But in the end, I made a snap judgement to get the Fish n Chips.

I don't use Tarter Sauce & I don't squeeze lemon all over fish.  Now that you know that, I want to tell you that this was the best Fish n Chips I have ever consumed.  It was perfect.  Light, flakey, summery, not overly greasy.  You need to have it.

And while you're there, you might as well get a glass of the Sangria and a Ceaser Salad.  This can only heighten your sure-to-be wonderful dining experience.  And you know, you might as well, then, eat the rolls.  This will set your experience above and beyond.  Especially if they're piping hot, right out of the oven.

I kid you not when I tell you that on my drive in to work today, thinking about writing this blog, I was seriously craving the Fish n Chips.  And I have never wanted seafood at 8am. 

Joe Fish gets an entire school of fishies from this monger.  Check it out soon!

Destination Blogging: The Beach Boys should write a song specifically about this place.

Madame Janette
http://www.madamejanette.info/joomla/
Cunucu Abao 37, in front of The Blue Village Apartments
Aruba, Dutch Caribbean
+297-587-0184
(Just tell the cabbie where you want to go.  They'll get you there.)

No matter where in Aruba you're staying, you need to get in a cab, drive through what looks like a 3rd world country, or the background for LaBama, and eat at Madame Janette's.  It is not part of any all-inclusive packages and you won't find discounts on Restaurant.com, but you'll be overwhelmed with the atmosphere and deliciousness.


Be sure to save up, as most people do when vacations are on the horizon.  Dinner at MJ's will run you about $400 for a party of 6 (including tip & drinks).  I can't stress enough that it is totally worth it.  While you're driving to  MJ's through dirt roads and dilapidated housing, with wild dogs roaming the street, you might want to turn back.  Don't.  Because before you know it, you're turning into a little lot with a fenced in, tree lined wonderland covered in twinkling lights and garlands.

As you walk under the archways, you see that the entire restaurant is seated outside with open air dining.  There is a dark bar inside, that looks like something you'd see in any major city.  The floor outside is made up of small rocks and gravel, so I would skip the stilettos this night.  Flats, sandals, wedges are fine.  Men, I'm talking to you. 


Grouper stuffed with crab meat w/ White asparagus



Pan seared grouper with White asparagus

The night that we dinned @ MJ's, they were featuring White Asparagus with all their specials.  Many of their specials are everyday menu items.

Fried White Asparagus App

Grouper is a very popular fish in Aruba.  It is very mild and really versatile.  You can do a lot with it.  The Stuffed Grouper and Pan Seared were too good to place one above the other. 

The Fried Asparagus was really interesting.  It worked as an appetizer.  The salad on top was a little weird for me.  I didn't like the dressing, which tasted like tarter sauce.  Best skipped.

Some of the other Delicious main courses were the Fillet and the Rack of Lamb.  Both were incredible.  My fillet came with a side of mushroom sauce that was out of this world.  I couldn't even attempt to finish the cut, as it was so filling.

Rack of Lamb took the cake





My delicious Filet

The Rack of Lamb was a winner just in presentation.  It was cooked simply and perfectly rare.  Everyone was trying the lamb.  It got the nod for the best meal of the night.

One item not showcased here was the Pear & Cheese Tortelloni that came in App & Entree sizes.  These were little bundles of pasta filled with a miraculous puree of tart cheeses and sweet pear, served in a cream sauce that you'd want to bathe in.  I am hoping that someday in life I can recreate these, or die trying. 

Fried Oreos

Chocolate Mousse

Let us not forget dessert.  Between the Fried Oreos and the Chocolate Mousse, you are going to be one happy eater.  The Mousse comes with a side of Pumpkin Seed ice cream, while the Oreos have an Oreo ice cream.  We loved both desserts.

And if you're interested in having a cocktail with your fine dining, your waitperson will most likely suggest the Mojito, as this is their speciality.  Every flavor from Original to Watermelon.  But steer clear of the Blueberry.  Ouff.

While Aruba is most affordably best when vacationing all-inclusive, it is absolutely worth your time and money to make an exception for MJ's.  It will really put the cherry on your vacation.

Welcome Back!!!

Hey 'buds & forks!  We're back.  Took a much needed all inclusive vacation to Aruba, aka PARADISE.  Holy crap.  Amazing trip.  Lots of fun, lots of drinks, lots of eats.  Revues will be coming in our Destination blogging in the very near future. 

While it was great to escape the chill of the North East, it is always great to come home, especially when you have lots of activities lined up.  Stay tuned for many blogs next week about my most recent Boston adventures!

Glad to be home, glad to be thawed, glad to be blogging!!!  Check back soon.

Brunch @ TICO

TICO
www.ticorestaurant.com
222 Berkely Strett | Boston MA
(Former location of Cottonwoods)
Sister restaurant to: Via Matta, Radius & Alta Strada

Another Sunday, another brunch.  This time I actually had a date: Roomie.  Roomie is usually a "debbie downer" about brunch.  To him, brunch = eggy casseroles, quiche, pastry, etc.  I don't know about that.  I see brunch as an infusion of the two.  TICO sees brunch as a fantastic spin on your typical breakfast and lunch items.

When you've got Vanilla French Toast w/ Strawberries and TICO's Bacon Cheese Burger on the menu, it's safe to say you wont find an egg casserole anywhere in sight.  Don't misunderstand me.  There are eggs on the menu.  But.  TICO takes their Spanish & Mexican influence out on American classics to create really fun Sunday meals.

We made a reservation for our brunch date a little before 1pm and were seated immediately.  The other patrons consisted of older couples, families straight from church, little boys in blazers playing on iPads kicking off their Sperry's under the table, young couples trying to eat away the morning hangover and tourists who were apart of the Boston Marathon frenzy. 

Our waitress was extremely wonderful. I loved her. She made fun and energetic suggestions, which included switching my Bloody Mary order to their signature Ghost Maria. This is their spin: Tequila, in place of vodka and Tomato Water in place of tomato juice. Refreshing. It was great. It pleased the bartender that I ordered this, as our waitress reported back. Apparently most people stick with the traditional Mary. But I liked the Maria. It's a lot smoother.

Ghost Maria, who won't rotate properly...

To praise our gal more, when it came time to order I just had to ask about the Spicy Duck Confit & Green Chile Hash (with 2 poached eggs & Chipotle Hollandaise).  Mentioning I never really order duck, I wanted her thoughts.  Immediately she was raving about it.  And I believed her.  I was sold.  Continuing on to some of her favorites, she subsequently influenced Roomie to order the Fried Shrimp Po'Boy with Fries.  And just for fun, we added a side order of the Potato Pancakes with sour cream and applesauce.

When the food came out, we were starving.  We'd made the usual exit at Park Street and enjoyed a sunny, but breezy stroll through the crowds of tourists and barricaded streets.  Just on presentation and aroma alone, I knew our brunch was going to be a success. 



Po'boy!  Oh boy!

Roomie was psyched with his Shrimp Po'Boy.  The bread it was served on looked and tasted so fresh and homemade.  The slaw inside was a coated with a spicy, chipotle remoulade and the fries were accompanied by a similar dipping sauce.  It was a knock out sandwich.

I was quick to snack on Roomie's fries while I had a little face off with my Spicy Duck Confit and Poached Egg hash.  The hunks of duck meat were plentiful and the poached eggs were really intriguing.  Roomie had the first bite and said, "Save me a few more bites of that, ok?". 

Spicy Duck Confit

So I finally dug in.  The duck was not so intimidating.  It tastes like dark meat chicken.  Together with the poached egg, hash and chilies, it all worked.  Every bite was creamy and spicy.  It was a very comforting dish.  The toast was delicious and added a nice option of scooping up the contests in the dish.  I really liked this and would definitely suggest it.

Our little side dish of Potato Pancakes was a nice rounding out to our meal.  They were very thin, so they cooled pretty quickly.  But they tasted great with the mixture of sour cream and applesauce.

Potato Pancakes

Having brunch is becoming a new excuse for me to get out and see the city and the people.  I really enjoyed our time at TICO and would suggest that you try it.  Next time, I will definitely look into those Vanilla Pancakes.  Or maybe even the Crunchy Chicken tacos.  Never can tell with me, 'buds.

Get out for brunch, people.  That's why God invented Sundays.

Get Fluff on This - Local 149, Chalkboard tables & Fried Fluffernutters

Local 149
149 P Street
South Boston, MA

Pulling up to Local is a site to behold.  The exterior is one that really impressed.  I definitely had a, "Wow, this place is nice." moment when arriving.  Walking in you see a large bar with seats all around.  To the right, the seats are high top.  To the left, the bar meets the elevated dining room so the seats are low to the ground and but you're sitting as high as the people across your way.  It's such a cool feature.  Everything else inside is impressive.  The artwork, the lighting fixtures, the booths and Chalkboard top tables...Yes, complete with a dish of chalk.  Fantastic detail.  You'll like the setting immediately here.  It's a lot different than the old Farragut House, which used to reside in this spot.

Everyone has their Thirsty Thursday spot.  No matter what age or lifestyle you're living, everyone calls it Thirsty Thursday.  Local 149 was packed to the gills last night.  And I don't think it was the Bruin's playoff game that dragged these patrons out.  The game was on every TV, but people seemed like they were there for the beer and the food and the chatter.

YES, the chatter.  I am just now getting my hearing back and talking in my indoor voice.  Whew!  It's worth mentioning that Local is really loud.  You're going to notice it right away, so might as well take the bull by the horns.  The music isn't too loud and the TVs aren't blaring.  It's simply the wide opened floor plan that allows your voice to pull a Till' Tuesday and carry...Speaking of which, the music you could hear was kick ass.  Church, the Cure, Blondie, The Smiths.  I've never heard the Smith's "Ask" on at ... anywhere.  I've never heard that song anywhere except in my car.  Great music.

I know you want me to get around to the main event, the Fluffernutter.  But we've got to slow it down, 'buds. 

While we were drinking our draft Pretty Things out of snifters & supposed to be looking over the menu, we decided it would be more fun to do arts 'n crafts on the table.  We, being me and my date, Ash.  Bubble letters, flowers, comics, graffiti.  We tagged that table up before we even put in our order.  I am a huge fan of Chalkboard tables.  I might have to redo the top of my kitchen table...

We decided to share a cheese plate. the Seaweed and Salt fries and 2 salads before our dessert.  I mean, it was after 9pm, so we weren't looking to pack away heavy entrees like the Braised Short Ribs or the Chicken & Waffles.

Ash's Salt 'n Peppa art

We opted to start with the Champlaign cheese plate, which was delish.  The portion of cheese presented was small, but it went a long way because it was so creamy and spreadable.  It was much like a goat cheese.  Tangy and addicting.  I actually wish I had some right now.  Order this.

Next we had the Taco Salad and the Beet Salad.  The taco salad was not your run of the mill tortilla shell with ground beef and diced tomatoes.  This was a beautifully purple cabbage shell stuffed with lettuce, duck ragu bologonese, avocado and Frito's.  A bit of high end with some guilty pleasure snacks as garnish.  So inventive.

The beet salad was very aromatic.  The moment it was put down in front of us, I couldn't help but grimace.  What was the smell?  It was familiar and strong.  Truffle oil.  To the extreme.  The salad of diced red and yellow beets, garnished with pork cracklings and candied beet florets was bathing in truffle oil.  Now I love me some truffle oil.  Hooo-wee!  It was eye watering.  But really delicious.  The prettiest part of the salad?  The beautiful, tiny fried quail eggs.  Beets and fried eggs is a winning combination.  I felt really fancy eating these salads.  They were definitely both kicked up to 11.

The fries were good, too.  I didn't catch the Seaweed element.  I've eaten seaweed plenty of times.  They were really just salted fries that were cooked perfectly.  So, really, I guess I can't complain.  They tasted good...but again, I didn't get the seaweed factor.

For our next act, we ordered a round of Leather Lips (great craft beers on tap) and the Fried Fluffernutter.  And then we may have also ordered some Prosecco.  Thirsty. 

We were totally amped for the arrival of our fried dessert.  We couldn't wait to dig in.  And when it came out of the kitchen, I swear it saw glowing. 

The Fried Fluffernutter was a peanutbutter, banana and fluff sandwich that was fried, covered in powered sugar and a Raspberry Foam.  Sounded just crazy enough to work...but it didn't.  Not for us.  We found the peanutbutter to make your mouth very dry and foam was really sour and off putting.  The edges of the sandwich, where most of the fluff was hiding, was the best part.  Other than that, it was really dry and disappointing.

That being said, Southie really has a great new spot on P Street.  The beer selection is amazing.  Seriously. Don't go in there and order a Mich Ultra (like I normally would.).  Order the Pretty Thing's St. Boltoph Brown.  That was my fav of the night.  And true, the dessert wasn't what we'd hoped, the food is definitely worth checking out.  Go, enjoy the faire, the art, the atmosphere.  Just avoid anything fluff and maybe bring some ear plugs.

Boston Revue's Guide to Outdoor Dinner & Drinks - We need you!

Boston Revue's Guide to Outdoor Dinner & Drinks - Interactive blogging.

Hey 'buds.  Want to think happy thoughts?  I sure do.  This miserable, down-pour day has encouraged this post.  I was going to wait a bit, but we need a little sunshine in our lives.  And if Mutha Nature won't give it up, let's rely on our memories.  Those fond, fond memories of sitting outside on Newbury St or up high on the Roof Deck at the Atlantic Beer Garden, cold beverage in hand, flip flops on your feet and a nice tan on your arms.  You need sunglasses, not umbrellas.  Bring these warm memories to the forefront and lend me your hands.

Now, I don't really want to hold hands.  I just want to use you for YOUR revues.  We want to encourage you to spread those memories around, hopefully making this day more pleasant.  Here's how you can help.

Send your emails to: BostonRevue@gmail.com OR email us on our Facebook page.  Here is what we want:

1. What is your FAVORITE outdoor dining and/or drinking spot in Boston?
2. Why?
3. What stands out?
4. When is the best time to go?  A Sunday afternoon for Sunday Funday?  Any weekend night?  The night of a Sox game?

Anything you can do to share the warmth and help us create our Guide would be greatly appreciated!  Based on the feedback we get from you 'buds, you may have a chance to be included in our Guide and could potentially be the winner of a fabulous Summertime Themed Gift - details will come out later on this.

So forget about the rain outside your window and get those emails pouring in (see what I did there?).  We'll be waiting!

Bon Caldo - Italiano Delicioso in the 'Burbs

Bon Caldo

http://www.boncaldo.com/index.php

1381 Providence Highway (Rt 1)

Norwood, MA

Norwood isn't just home to the AutoMile, 'buds.  Rt 1 is also clad with some great restaurants.  And I'm not talking TGIWhatever's.  Right next to Skye sits a homey and delicious Italian spot called Bon Caldo.  If you know where Skye is, and everyone seems to, then you know where Bon Caldo is.  Don't over look it.

Inside you'll find a dining room with nice white linens and comfortable seating surrounded by a cozy fireplace and lighting.  The waitstaff is extremely knowledgeable and prompt!  And patient...because I was taking forever order and none of us could decide on drinks.

This venture to Bon Caldo was alongside some good friends who are huge fans and frequest guests.  PRG & Sassy are creatures of habit who favor Bon Caldo's Gnocchi di Ricotta.  I always knew this was their dish.  I considered ordering it myself.  But listen, 'buds, if you're reading this blog, you know by now I am not a shy dining companion.  I'm eating off your plate.  So I decided not to be a copy cat and try something else.

I asked the waitress about the Risotto del Giorno.  No, she did not tell me it was the Risotto of the day.  But she did inform us that it was going to be Risotto with Monkfish.  Sold.  Never had Monkfish, so that settled that. 

While patiently, and hungrily, waiting, we had wine and bread, which was served with a chilled tomato sauce.  I liked it a lot.  Good spice to it.  And when the wine ran out, I completely copied PRG's next drink order.  The name was what did it.  Anything called an Italian Sling sounds like a must.  This drink is comprised of gin (another gin drink reels me in! see the Woodward blog), grenedine, club soda, cherry brandy and tuaca (a citrusy vanilla liqueur).  So tasty and dangerous.  Goes down easy, like a slush.  Such a creative concoction.  Gin!  I hate Gin!  But again, not in this cocktail.

And the food arrived in such style, presented on gleaming white plates.  My Gnocchi friends were pleased, as the dish looked and tasted just as times past, which is perfect.  It was at this time I realized the Gnocchi were made with Ricotta and not potato.  PRG was gracious enough to allow me first dibs, so I took just one dumpling, covered in marinara.  It was insane.  Ricotta gnocchi are softer than anything I have ever eaten and the sauce is great.  I wanted to say that the dumpling was as soft as a marshmallow, but it was even softer.  Airy and light, which is exactly what you want.  Crazy.

My risotto was so creamy and delish.  The Monkfish was definitely good, although it truly smelled fishy.  Overall, that didn't really matter because it tasted great.  As this was my first encounter, I found monkfish to be similar to lobster, in look and texture.  Although not as chewey.  Remember, I don't like lobster, but I did like this Monkfish.  Specifically, it reminded most of the tail of a lobster.  Mixed in with the creamy rice, it was really nice.

3 people can eat and drink well and for a reasonable price at Bon Caldo.  Make the trip over the time you're over at ol' Ernie Boch or Home Depot.  You can try TGI-Whosie's some other time.

Ciao!

Post 390 - The brunch is no fluff!

Post 390
http://www.post390restaurant.com/
390 Stuart St
Boston, MA


Post 390 caught my eye the evening that I attended the shower @ BarLola.  We had parked our car in the garage underneath 390 that evening and when we surfaced, I made a mental note to check out this place someday.

The next day was gorgeous and the hangover was minimal, so I decided, in a split second, to get up and head into the city to enjoy the weather while I had the chance.  So with my trusty T pass, sunglasses and book, I headed to the red line to hope a T to Park Street.  There, I exited to make my journey through the Commons and Gardens.

Dogs were out, kiddies were squealing.  Lots of groups playing ladderball or soccer.  It's great to stroll around the Common.  The best people watching in the city.  As I made my way through the Public Gardens, I noticed what looked like a "homebase" had been setup at the corner of Boylston and Arlington.  Sunday was in fact the day of the Greek Parade and I got the chance to see it from beginning to...well, just the beginning.  I was so hungry that after watching about 10 minutes, I had to move on.

Since I was now in the Back Bay area, it dawned on me to walk down Clarendon and take a look at 390's menu.  When I saw it wasn't too crowded, dimly lit and brunch was still being served at 2pm, I was locked in.

They were happy to seat me, as a party of 1, in a nice cozy high top booth for 2.  Every seat is a good seat because you are surrounded by windows, with a great view of the happenings around you outside, so even in a place that isn't crowded, you still feel like things are hopping!

At the same time, it was very relaxing inside on this Sunday.  The music was modern, acoustic and familiar, the waitstaff spoke in gentle tones.  It was quite nice after just bustling my way up the crowded, windy streets of Back Bay.

Brunch.  I tend to lean more towards the breakfast side of brunch.  Although I did consider the House Smoked Salmon and the Crab & Avocado Salad, I just accepted the fact that I was going to have to stick with guns...er, Pancakes.

The night before, during a Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Antics, another friend mentioned a recent outing to IHOP, where she had Cinnabon pancakes that tasted amazing.  Here at 390 I noticed they served Cinammon Roll French Toast with a Banana Creme Brulee.  I was seriously considering this because of how decadent it sounded.  But soon my waiter came by with Bloody Mary and to inform me of the day's Brunch Special.  Fluffernutter Pancakes with a Merange topping.

No sooner did like nice young man finish describing the pancakes did I pounce.  "So can I get a side of home fries with that".  Done and Done.  They were on their way.

I was quietly reading and highly enjoying my spicy Bloody Mary, patiently waiting for what I assumed would be a little stack of cakes piled up with...with I have no idea.  I had no clue what to expect.

What arrived was 2 large pancakes covered in powdered sugar and topped with the merange which looked a gooey glob of toasted marshmallow.  And much to my 'buds enjoyment, that is exactly what it tasted like.  Yes, I tried the topping first.

I added a little maple syrup, as that's all I really care for, and dug in.  The Fluffernutter pancakes tasted like warm, undercooked peanut butter cookies.  When you took a bite of the pancake and marshmallow, it was exactly like Peanut Butter and Fluff.  I felt like the book I brought should have been Ramona or the Babysitters Club, because this breakfast made me feel like I was a kid again.  We always had peanut butter & fluff sandwiches growing up.

It felt like hours had gone by and I hadn't even finished one pancake.  There is no exaggeration when I tell you that each cake was roughly the size of a small bar style pizza.  I tried to keep going, but my belly said, "Stop it!".  My 'buds and my belly are always at odds.

As I was paying, I thanked the waiter for suggestion the special.  What I learned then was the chef often tries to reinterpret sandwiches as pancake specials for Sunday Brunch.  Apparently the Sunday prior the special was a pancake that was inspired by a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  This I find great fun and creative.

390 was a great spot for brunch, but I think the night life could be pretty promising as well.  I really liked the bar and, again, the feel of the windows all around. 

Spontaneous brunching at 390 gets 390 silver dollar pancakes from me.  Good eats. Good Fluff.

...But how will these pancakes faire next to the Fried Fluffernutter @ Southie's newest haunt Local 149???  We'll see, forks.  It's a Fluff-Off!!!  ....Stay tuned.

BarLola: Tapas, Spirits and Crate & Barrel

BarLola
www.barlola.com
160 Commonwealth Ave
Boston, MA

Tapas on the corner of Darthmouth St & Comm Ave - Outdoor seating available.

Hey 'buds!  Monday.  Woof.  While you're back to the daily grind of the monotonous 9-5, take a few minutes for yourself.  That's what Boston Revue is here for.

And if you need to find a place in the city to have your next mid-sized function or gathering, BarLola can help!

A respectable group of around 20 women gathered there this weekend to honor our pal, and bride-to-be, D.  Inside BarLola we were set up in a semi private room behind the bar with banquette seating and cozy pillows.  The walls and ceilings are exposed brick with lots of wrought iron decor and vintage art.  Very charming.

Taking the walk through BarLola, the bar area was filled with sports fans, while the outdoor seating, set below street level, was at capacity as well. 

Back in the private room, we had a really nice stream of music, set at the perfect volume and plenty of seating and little tables to enjoy our Tapas and Sangria.  There was also a large table setup for gifts!  Crate & Barrel would definitely be pleased by the representation! 

Banquette seating and 1 round table with add'l chairs.

The bridesmaids provided the guests with a variety of hot and cold Tapas from the menu, along with Red and White Sangria.  You can't go wrong with variety!

We snacked on Tomato & Mozzarella, Manchego y Serranno, Calamares Fritos, Pinchos de Vieras y Uvas Negras, as well as many others.

Both of my favorites were of the seafood variety.  The Calamari was served perfectly crispy along with a zesty guacamole, almost vinaigrette, dipping sauce.  I kept going back for this.  The other winner for me was the Pinchos de Vieras, scallops skewers.  Scallops and roasted grapes.  What a delicious combo.  It was impeccable.

For a more extensive glance at the menu, be sure to check out the link posted at the top.  And if you ever pop in to BarLola, be sure to try one the Red Sangria w/ the Calamari and Scallops.  Your 'buds will be thankful.

Congrats to our friend D and her main squeeze!

Woodward at the Ames Hotel - YUP!

Woodward
1 Court Street
Boston, MA

http://www.woodwardatames.com/

When you walk into a bar and eye a bartender dispensing a foam into a champagne glass, you know you're not at typical Bostonian pub.  Woodward, located within the Ames Hotel, is a chic and above average experience that will make a lasting impression. 

On a Saturday evening, around 10 pm, you can find the downstairs bar packed with diners at tables and at the U shaped bar. But you can still find a table with minimal wait.  There are also "communal tables" for those that just want to have a drink and a place to rest their elbows.

Upstairs are a few more tables for dining, another bar and a fireplace seating area, which is first come first served.  You will also find a DJ playing very intoxicating old school hip-hop and rap.  I'm a sucker for this, as you may know.  A little "Good Day" goes a long way for this blogger.  This is where I decided to steak my claim until my friends appeared on scene. 

While sitting at the bar solo, for the time being, I had a nice view of the crowd, the bartenders and the NCAA Kentucky/UConn game.  Not bad.  I was so comfortable in this high top chair at the bar, that had arms and a nice cushion.  I wouldn't have minded sitting there all night.  And the bartenders were so prompt that I'd be golden.  It took forever to decide on a drink.  The drink menu is so unique and abundant. 

http://www.woodwardatames.com/library/pdfs/AMES_WW%20MENU_Cocktails_pages.pdf

I chose to start off with the Second Marriage, a drink that consists of Ketel One Citroen, Chandon Brut and fresh raspberry puree (All fruits and herbs at Woodward are fresh.).  My bartender complimented my choice and I realized why within one sip.  The cocktail was sour and rich and tasted like a bubbly slush.  It instantly reminded me of summertime.  It was hard to just sip this one.

Later I made friends with a nice gal named Olivia, from Chicago, imbibing solo, as well.  She was in town to do a photo shoot and just having herself a little entertainment.  We got to chatting and I noticed she was the gal who had ordered the drink in the champagne glass with the mysterious foam.  Luckily this was a menu item!

The Model Behavior, to call it by name, was fantastic.  St Germain & Hendrick's gin, Chandon Brut and CUCUMBER foam.  Now this is coming from a gal who does not like gin...This is one of the best cocktail creations I've ever consumed.  I didn't even know there was gin in this until I went back to re-read the menu.  Olivia felt that in the champagne glass the foam got lost and underplayed.  She kindly (she's from Chicago) insisted the bartender pour out the drink in a glass with a...ahem...larger mouth.  And he did. 

It was around this time that Olivia and I got to some serious chatting when a man came over to ask for the bar nuts that were in front of me.  And then he proceeded to offer me the nuts.  I told him I was allergic.

Later my party arrived and we grabbed a long table by the fireplace, very close to the DJ.  It was a little louder than we would have liked, but the music was too good to complain.  And now that the friends had arrived I could finally order the drink I'd been waiting for all weekend (You know me and my pre-outing research.).

The Pickle Back - Imagine in your own mind, if you will, what this would include.  A drink called the Pickle Back.  Take a few minutes and get your imagination going....Ok, ready?

When you see a drink like this on the menu, you may turn your nose up.  Me?  I go for it.  It's insane!  So, true to form, I ordered the Pickle Back: A shot of Jameson with YOUR CHOICE of house made pickle brine chasers.  Your choices: Bread & Butter Pickle, Yellow Beet, Red Pearl Onion, Carrot, Cauliflower or Grape.  Have you ever heard of something like this?  If so, please share, because I have not. 

Ultimately I thought I would be partaking in this shot/chaser combo on my own.  However, I was pleased that my pal Sue was all in to take one down with me.  For chasers I chose the Yellow Beet, Sue the Bread & Butter.  We partook on a count of 3 and hoped for the best.  The Jameson we knew, we respected...it was the brine chaser that seemed daunting.

In the end, the Yellow Beet seemed to favor over the Bread & Butter.  Both were manageable drinks and not as intimidating as they would appear.  We really were the boss of those shots.  And since this is not something you have everyday, why not go for it?  I highly suggest it.  In the future, I will order this again, perhaps trying out the Grape or Carrot chaser (I will stick to the sweet ones).

Eventually the drinks stopped because the dancing started.  The music was contagious and the dancing was infectious.  Every single person upstairs was dancing.  It was great fun.

Note the website, included up top, to take a virtual tour of Woodward.  Their white walls and shelves create a very open environment.  You feel very cozy in such a hip venue.

Next time - the shot will be ordered and food will be consumed.  Woodward is a huge hit for me and highly suggest you put on your cutest outfit and head over there soon.


Blog Bonus: We ate there!

Hey again, 'buds!  You've got it.  Sister and I popped into Woodward sometime after 11pm last Thursday, after a hysterical evening @ the Improv Asylum (Hanover St - North End. Go.).  We were frantically famished and in the mood for something good.  Luckily, Woodward serves food up until 12am on week nights.  Such a bonus.  To all other spots in town: Keep your kitchens open later, people!!!  Even if it is a select menu.

What we learned that now that Woodward's drink menu has recently rotated.  The Model Behavior is no longer listed (see original blog above) but they still had their Second Marriage.  YUM!  And it WAS better the second time.

We decided to share some food.  To start, we inhaled the Warm Beet & VBC Goat Cheese tart w/ Meyer lemon curd & Hazlenuts.  So incredible.  It was a delicious pastry with red and golden beets.  The cheese and the curd were fanctastic.  It tasted like dessert.  We destroyed the thing.  I believe I dropped my forks a few times while attacking the poor tarte. 

For our late night dinner we shared the Spring pea & lemon Risotto w/ pean greens and parmesean.  Again, incredible.  Super lemony and summery.  Not too hot.  It was like an outdoorsy, picnic style risotto.  We cleaned the dish out.  Not a grain left in sight.

Let this be your lesson.  It's good to eat after a night of laughs and buckets o' beer at the Improv.  And luckily, Woodward is smart enough to keep those kitchen doors open for us late night gigglers. 

*Bonus bonus: The kitchen is open until 1am on weekends.  C'mon!  Total score.

Flour - Ooo!

http://flourbakery.com/

Locations:
12 Farnsworth St., Boston
1595 Washington St., Boston
190 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge

'Buds, if you remember back a few weeks to my Cabby Shack post, you know I watch a lot of Food Network.  I watch a lot of TV in general, but specifically the Food Network.

One show that Roomie and I are big fans of is Throwdown with Bobby Flay.  Flour was featured in an episode undertaking the challenge of the Sticky Bun.  Their's were carmely and full of pecans...and the size of my head.  Ooo!

Some time later I found an article in the paper, probably the Herald, because I like their puzzles.  There inside was an interview with chef/owner Joanne Chang, including a recipe for Homemade Oreos...I cut it out and made sure to add to my collection of "To-make"s.  But I never did. 

Much to my surprise, Roomie was kind enough to surprise me with a Homemade Oreo this week.  These are nothing like your store bought name brand little dunkers.  These cookies are roughly the size of a hockey puck and much more rich and decadent.  It was...ooo!  So good.  I really enjoyed it.  But I could not eat the cookie in one sitting.  I had to save half for the next night's dessert. 

The cookie is so rich and full of nice cocoa flavor and the cream is dense and smooth.  These would be great to order for a celebration or if you're going to a dinner party.  The are impressive to lay eyes on and enjoyable to eat.  I actually think these would taste delish on the side of an adult beverage like a Mud Slide or a Sombrero.

Mmmm...definitely head to Flour for a cookie.  And so you don't feel too guilty, they make lunch too!  Check out the link above!

Later, 'buds!