Cityside

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Cityside’s dining balcony has been calling my name for months now, but I never had a reason to go. Friday night I had dinner plans with a friend & my boyfriend – we were pondering where we could grab a drink in a fun atmosphere and have a good but cheap meal. After using my iPhone instead of my brain, my “Urban Spoon” app came across Cityside. iPhone, you are BRILLIANT! Located in Brighton’s Cleveland Circle, the open windows and balcony seating provide a view of the busy but not so scenic area. Whether I’m looking at Boston’s cityscape or the Green Line, I don’t really care. As long as I’m outside enjoying the warm weather, I’m happy.

Bread: I honestly can’t for the life of me remember if we received bread. We were all pretty hungry and had our eyes on the prize with the nachos that we ordered.

Menu: I had a very hard time choosing my meal – Pistachio Encrusted Tuna Salad? Build Your Own Burger?? An app & a bowl of Spicy Chili? Decisions, decisions. After I ordered the Tuna Avocado Wrap I realized splitting the Buffalo Chicken Pizza would have been a great idea. Maybe next time…

Presentation: We ordered the Buffalo Chicken Nachos to start – they were piled high and could have easily fed 5 people. Every visible inch was covered in cheese, which was perfect because it provided leftover cheese for the bare chips underneath. One of the best nacho dishes I’ve had in a while, especially with the surprise of shredded carrots and corn! My Tuna Avocado Wrap came halved, with a large pile of sweet potato fries. The wrap was good, but had too much mayo and it was quite drippy. A wet sandwich is definitely a downside. The fries weren’t as crispy as I like, but I enjoyed the few I dipped in ketchup.

Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Buffalo Chicken Nachos

Bathroom: Clean and had a nice cloth lined basket for the paper towels. The power hand dryer definitely added some points.

Wait Staff: She was nice and present, despite the busy balcony scene. Although, she did forget the lemon for my water. An annoying request I know (and I called myself out for it), but still, I really wanted that lemon. I also want to note that I called ahead and put our name on the list for the balcony seating. When we got there the hostess mentioned that our name wasn’t on the list at all. When she went outside to speak to ‘someone’ I checked the list and not only were we not on it, but it was at least 7 parties long. I already had my speech prepared for when she told us we’ve have to wait to be seated, but she came back and sat us right away.

Overall: I’m excited to go back and try one of their salads… or pizza… or chili! I’m also curious about their weekend brunch. I had a great time on the balcony and the first level seemed like a great place to grab a drink or watch a game. The windows are all open in the summer (a la Brighton Beer Garden) which is perfect for a nice warm night.

The Perfect Bite: Tortilla chip, cheddar cheese, buffalo chicken, shredded carrots. Cheesy, different, and delicious!

http://www.citysidebar.com/

Top 3: Fro Yo Joints

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BerryLine

BerryLine

First & foremost: I love food & I’m a dessert freak. My post dinner snack choice is always an important one–slice of homemade banana bread? Skinny Cow single serving ice cream cup? Recently I’ve noticed that tart frozen yogurt has been taking over the world, and frankly, I’m ok with it. Any flavor, any topping, any gimic (self-serve?!), I’m a complete sucker. Below are my Top 3 favorite locations that I ranked based on Flavors, Toppings, Prices, and Atmosphere.

BerryLine
(http://www.berryline.com)
Location: Harvard Sq, Porter Sq, Fenway ~ *winner of Flavors & Toppings
Most places have your standard flavors (original, blueberry, strawberry), but BerryLine takes it a step further with choices like Guava, Black Cherry, Rootbeer Float, and Oreo! Each location features 3 unique flavors that change daily. The toppings get even better with shaved Taza chocolate, fresh fruit, granola, heath bar crumble… And I can’t forget their mini-sized add ons: M&Ms, Reese Pieces, & Gummie Bears to mention a few!

Chill
(http://www.yelp.com/biz/chill-brighton)
Location: Clevland Circle ~ *winner of Atmosphere
Chill has seating for almost 20 and a flat screen TV for your entertainment (if the fro yo isn’t captivating enough). They usually have about 4 flavors depending on what time of day you’re there (busy summer nights seem to sell out of certain favorites). Their toppings are great as well, my top 2 choices being the graham cracker crumble and Lucky Charms. Not in the mood for fro yo? Try one of their tempting ice cream flavors: Bailey’s Irish Cream? Butterfinger? Yes please!

Berry Freeze
(http://www.berryfreeze.com/)
Location: Coolidge Corner ~ *winner of Prices
Who ever thought of the self-serve idea is bloody brilliant. And you pay by the weight? Even better! Berry Freeze has 3 dispensers containing 2 flavors each that you can have as a swirl or served separately (Coconut + Pineapple = Pina Colada). Their topping bar is “help yourself” as well, and help myself I DO. I help myself to a bottom layer of Oreos, a layer of Chocolate fro yo, a layer of strawberries, topped with Coconut fro yo, followed by chopped Kit-Kat and basically anything else I damn well please. After filling the cup to the brim you’d think I’d have some regrets at the register, but I’ve never broken the $3.25 mark–a fantastic price considering the other 2 places charge you per topping!

Berry Freeze

Berry Freeze

Bottom Line: I recommend all 3! Like I said, I love dessert and I don’t discriminate. 

Did I miss your favorite spot? Fill me in!

Sel de la Terre

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apple street farm poached eggs

apple street farm poached eggs

Mother’s Day brunch is a must, and the first place that came to my mind was Sel del la Terre in the Back Bay. I’ve been there once with mom already and we sat at the bar for lunch; who knew there was a beautiful restaurant upstairs overlooking Boylston Street. A warm & casual atmosphere, we were seated at a high top directly on the window with a gret view of the busy street below. This French restaurant’s cuisine focuses on rustic fare from the South of France; all ingredients are fresh, and some locally grown.

Bread: Since it was brunch, we received a basket with a French croissant, blueberry muffin, and cinnamon scone (all homemade) with a side of strawberry jam. Each could have easily been split between 2 people. Mom & I immediately devoured the light & fluffy croissant, and I had no choice but to try the other 2 treats. The scone was crumbly & delicious, and the jam made for a perfect spread on the moist muffin.
 
Menu: Their menu is quite specific so I recommend checking it out online before making a reservation. The brunch menu had 3 sections: small starters, more traditional brunch items, and main courses. Mom went for the “Brioche French toast with apricot compote, honey roasted almonds, vanilla butter, & Vermont maple syrup”. I’m an egg girl and always will be; I opted for the “Apple Street Farm coddled eggs (which I changed to poached), potato hash, & house-made English Muffin”.
 
Presentation: My poached eggs came in a small cast iron skillet over the potatoes & onions, with the English Muffin on the side. The eggs were so delicate they looked like meringue! I placed the eggs on the muffin and was pleasantly surprised by my first bite: the bottom of the muffin must have had some salt or something that I couldn’t put my finger on, because it was the most delicious English Muffin I’ve ever tasted. I usually prefer to top it with some jam or butter, but this needed no add ons. Potatoes could have been crispier, but I really didn’t care since the eggs/muffin combo stole the show.
 
Bathroom: There’s something about using shutter doors on stalls that pleases me. And it’s always nice to see clean & bright tiled floors/walls. The paper towels were arranged in a wicker basket next to the sink.
 
Wait Staff: An old co-worker of mine came over to say hello and surprised me as the manager of the neighboring L’Espalier and was filling in at Sel de la Terre to help with busy Mother’s Day brunch. I learned that the chef delivers many ingredients fresh from his near by farm in the North Shore. Turns out my eggs came from straight from the hen! Our actual waiter was great and you could tell he had a love for the restaurant and it’s food.
 
Overall: The main reason I choose Sel del la Terre for brunch was because I was craving their Bloody Mary. It’s tough to find somewhere that makes them right, and while theirs could use a little more spice, it’s one of the best I’ve tried. The menu is creative and breaks the norm of typical French cuisine. Dinner is a little pricey for my blood, but it’s a great spot for lunch with their varying combos of 1/2 soup, 1/2 salad, 1/2 sandwich deals (and I hear the “SDLT Burger” with rosemary pomme frites is incredible).
 
The Perfect Bite: Poached Egg on top of the delicious English Muffin. No condiments needed.

www.seldelaterre.com

Cottonwood Cafe

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six chile chili

six chile chili

222 Berkeley Street in Boston’s Back Bay is home to Cottonwood Cafe, a southwestern themed restaurant with award-winning margartias. By the pitcher or glass you can order your choice, frozen or on the rocks; or if you prefer sangria they make a traditional red or a mango & watermelon liqueur infused white. We were seated in a booth in the main dining room, surrounded by cactus light fixtures and strings of “Christmas” lights that decorated the wooden beams above us. This was my 2nd time at Cottonwood, but my first time for dinner.

Bread: When my mother asked for bread & the waitress said “let me see what I can find”, I wasn’t surprised. Being at a south-western restaurant I expected chips & salsa instead, but even those weren’t complimentary! We had to order a side of tortilla chips with our appetizers, and they weren’t much to brag about. The tri-colored chips were flakey & could have used a little more salt.

Menu: I was impressed by the amount of options and different types of food: the apps, soups, dinner salads, sandwiches, pizzas, entrees, & specials kept me busy for a while. I eventually settled on the cup of Six Chile Chili & the San Mateo Salad with chicken.

Presentation: The chili came in a small cup garnished with a few tortilla chips & topped with shredded cheddar cheese. I had to spoon out a little excess oil (I can be a tad picky), but other than that I really enjoyed the meat, peppers, & tomatoes. My salad could have been on the boring side with the generic sliced carrots, cherry tomatoes, & celery, but was saved by the dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, roasted almonds, & golden raisins. The citrus habanero dressing added just enough flavor without soaking the lettuce.

Bathroom: Clean with 2 stalls, it felt sort of like a generic public restroom. Separate from the sink was another counter & mirror, with a pretty vase that held some fresh flowers.

Wait Staff: We didn’t see much of our waitress, but she was nice & met our needs. The main course came out before our appetizer dishes were removed from the table which always causes for unneccessary shuffling of plates.

Overall: The menu had a lot of options for a restaurant with a specific theme. If I liked tequila I’m sure I would have really enjoyed their famous margaritas; instead I tried the white sangria, which really didn’t taste like sangria at all. The fruit was almost non-existent (one slice of orange & a maraschino cherry), and the watermelon liqueur really over powered the drink (which I thought was tasty, but it just didn’t resemble a traditional sangria). The prices were reasonable but I wouldn’t rush back.

The Perfect Bite: The tortilla chips made for the perfect spoon to go with my chili!

Amelia’s Trattoria

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braised short rib bolognese

braised short rib bolognese

 111 Harvard Street in Cambridge’s Kendall Square is home to Amelia’s Trattoria, a small & cozy Italian restaurant that attracts a variety of diners. From those seeking an after work drink, to couples looking for an intimate meal, the simple decor provides a warm & casual atmosphere. The 1/2 circle bar leads you towards a window peeking in at an open kitchen. Wooden floors, brick & stone walls, and copper accents give the place a rustic vibe. My 3 friends & I were seated in a 1/2 booth in the back corner of the restaurant. 

Bread: We had to ask for bread, which I never like doing. Apparently the waiter was “waiting for the spread to be made” before bringing the basket over; seems like it took a while to make this spread, but it was worth it. The white bean, plum tomato, garlic, & cumin creation was a perfect companion to the long narrow slices of bread.

Menu: Consisting of small plates, appetizers, salads, pastas, & entrees, I was tempted to pick one option from each section! The polenta (with EVOO, garlic, & parmesan) was calling my name, but I would have never been able to finish my Braised Short Rib Bolgnese if I ordered an appetizer.

Presentation: My bolognese was a generous portion and came in a shallow bowl. Fresh parmesan cheese was sprinkled on the rim, which is perfect for diners who like to add their own. With my fork I immediately scraped all the cheese into the bowl and started on this meaty journey. The short rib, which was more of a ragu than what I normally see as a ‘bolognese’, was plentiful throughout the dish; the sauce was heavy but quite delicious. I managed to power through and finished the whole damn thing… it was just too good to look at!

Bathroom: The restrooms are down the stairs in the basement of the building. There is one room/stall for each gender, but the ladies room seemed to be locked the entire night, even towards the end of the meal when we were the only diners left. Needless to say, I used the men’s room twice. Clean & newer looking (esp. for a basement restroom), I just wish there was more space between the toilet & sink.

Wait Staff: Our waiter was pleasant and particularly friendly. Service was a little slow for a less than crowded restaurant. Perhaps it was my short ribs that held up our meals? We did order a bottle & a half of wine, so our waiter also may have been allowing us to enjoy our time/drinks before bringing our dinners. Also I’d like to note that at one point while we were having our main course, a homeless man approached the window and stood & stared at us while we were eating. Obviously this made us extremely uncomfortable (even though we laughed it off), but the manager/owner immediately ran outside and told him to get lost, before & after he apologized to us. Absolutely not his fault (I’d be staring down my bolognese too!), and he handled it well.

Overall: My girls & I enjoyed a few glasses of smooth Chianti and were more than satisfied with our meals (I tried a handmade gnocci off my friend’s plate & it melted in my mouth). Seating may have been a tight squeeze (my friend had to bump her rear neighbor a few times) but the setting is warm & comforting. I highly recommend Amelia’s Trattoria, not just because of the great food, but the prices are extremely reasonable and won’t hurt your wallet.

The Perfect Bite: I don’t think I’ve ever met a bolognese that I didn’t like. This dish was particularly tasty with the wise fusilli pasta choice & hearty sauce.

www.ameliastrattoria.com

Metropolitan Bar & Grill

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turkey burger with avocado & hummus / sweet potato fries

turkey burger with avocado & hummus / sweet potato fries

This was probably my 5th time back to the Met at the new Natick Collection, and I already can’t wait to return. This modern steakhouse is stylish & comfortable, with plush materials from the booths to the bar stools. The lounge area has plenty of seating & TVs if you’re trying to catch a game; luckily for the men in my party we were seated close enough that they could check up on the Master’s leader every few minutes. Large murals of popular cities from around the globe line the back wall of the main dining room, which is on two levels and filled with oversized relaxing booths.

Bread: The rolls came in a bread basket with individual butter packets. Not disappointing but nothing too out of the ordinary. They were easy to tear into two equal halves which was a nice change since I tend to assault my bread with the butter knife when trying to cut it open.

Menu: There’s something for everyone on this menu. From pastas of the day to their mouth-watering salads to the club sandwiches, I always have a difficult time deciding where to look first. But since I knew I’d be reviewing the restaurant after this visit, I told myself I had to order from their famous Burger Bar. With burgers named after US & International cities, there’s a choice for every meat lover. “Vermont-The Farm” is topped with bacon, cheddar & a fried egg, while “Athens” is a veggie option complete with tzatziki, feta, cucumber, tomato & hummus. Or you can customize your burger, but beware: not only are there 5 meat options, but over 40 toppings & condiments to choose from. While my heart was truly set on the “Shanghai Chop Chop” salad, I opted for the make your own burger: turkey meat, whole wheat bun, avocado, hummus, sweet potato fries.

Presentation: My turkey burger was served on top of my condiments, with the fries & pickle on the side. The burger itself was good but I could have been more creative with my toppings. I get nervous & overwhelmed when I have so many options, and when it comes to burgers I always want to do it right! Next time I may add some sprouts, caramelized onions, black olive tapenade, or roasted garlic aioli (but not all together). For those who love sweet potato fries, I need to warn you about the Met’s version. I applaud them for being different, but when I order sweet potato fries I truly just want some sweet potato fries! Their’s is a thinly sliced sweet potato plank that has been deep-fried. I enjoyed the first one, but spent the rest of the time peeling off the fried-ness and just eating the barley there sweet potato.

Bathroom: Plenty of stalls with a hook in each one for your coat or purse. Tiled floors and beautiful counters, this bathroom was shiny, clean, & modern.

Wait Staff: Our waitress seemed a bit frazzled at times, perhaps because we had such a large party. But she was pleasant, able to cater to our needs, and got all of our orders correct!

Overall: I have a soft spot for burgers, so I recommend you try Met Bar & Grill if you feel the same. I wish I had gone with my instinct and tried the “Shanghai Chop Chop”, but with all the meat, toppings, & condiments surrounding me I couldn’t look away from the Burger Bar! I will absolutely return, especially since they’re building one in the old Joe’s spot on the corner of Newbury & Darmouth in Boston’s Back Bay (check out their other locations in Dedham & Chesnut Hill).

The Perfect Bite: I’m disappointed in myself for concocting a semi-boring burger. My boyfriend’s “Met L.A. Chopped” salad looked amazing, so next time I’ll force myself to ignore the burger menu. I have to say the chili that my aunt & uncle ordered was meaty, tasty, had just enough spice, and the small dollop of sour cream (which I usually omit) made it a winner.

www.metbarandgrill.com

Phantom Gourmet’s “Wine & Food Phest”

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phantom gourmet

phantom gourmet

On Saturday April 10th the Bayside Expo Center hosted the Phantom Gourmet’s Food & Wine Phest, offering 30 different food vendors & 30 different wines. They ranged from Boston Burger Co., to Ivy’s Fine Cakes, to The Upper Crust, to Latitude 43. This was my first time attending the event so I didn’t know what to expect, and I could not have been happier. My friends & I arrived early and there was already a line 100s of people long, decked out in purple attire from T-shirts to pimp costumes. We benefited from our early arrival and were able to attack the most popular booths before the lines formed.

Highlights: I’ll start by saying my favorite wine came from the booths that filled up the tiny cups to the rim. Thank you for your generosity and understanding that those cups really only hold one sip. One of the best food vendors was A.J.’s Kitchen from Wilmington MA (www.ajskitchen.net). They served up Italian style meatballs that we couldn’t get enough of (if only they had entire subs!). They were rivaled by the Met Bar & Grill’s version (www.metbarandgrill.com) which were marinating in a red wine & cheese sauce.

met bar & grill

met bar & grill

Black Tie Cookies from Rochester MA (www.blacktiecookies.com) offered 3 different types of pre-packaged cookies (making it easy for me to hoard them in my purse). The 2 I grabbed were “Last Dance” (heath bar, coffee, toffee) and  “Top Hat” (chocolate cookie dough, chocolate chunks, walnuts). Our plan was to return to this booth & take more cookies to go, but they were all out before the event was over! I also enjoyed The Melting Pot’s (www.meltingpot.com) Oreo encrusted marshmallows, strawberries & chocolate sauce (and the $15 gift card was a great bonus).

the melting pot

the melting pot

Honorable mentions should go to When Pigs Fly (www.sendbread.com) for their chocolate bread, Wicked Whoopies (www.wickedwhoopies.com) for their red velvet take on the whoopie pie, and the CabbyShack‘s (www.cabbyshack.com) “Best Chowdah Ev-vah”.

Disappointments: The overall event was a blast, and I’m already looking forward to Phantom’s “BBQ Beach Party” in June (http://bbq.phantomgourmet.com/SD/home.aspx). Out of the 30 food vendors, there were only 2 I was unhappy with. Wicked Kickin’ Savory Cheesecake had a buffalo chicken cheesecake, and yes it tasted as weird as it sounds. As a cheesecake it didn’t work (where was the graham cracker crust?), but spread that on a cracker & it’s good to go! I saw the Dorado Tacos & Cemitas sign from afar and rushed my way over expecting a taco or quesadilla, but instead got a white gazpacho soup; the grainy consistency made it unappetizing, and the overall taste didn’t resemble any gazpacho I’ve ever tried.

I have to say my first Phantom event was a great success. The Champagne Room, dance floor, and Make-Out Shed provided us with a break from stuffing our faces and the entertainment distracted me from eating everything I could get my hands on. I left plenty full (and slightly tispy). A job well done 😉

Mistral

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March 27th, 2012
Almost 2 years later exactly I returned to Mistral for my second Restaurant Week experience. I thought it was only necessary to share with you the amazing dishes I tried this time around…

Beef Sirloin Carpaccio, Black Truffle Aïoli, Parmesan & Toasted Brioche
Two years ago my friend Jess ordered this as her first course and I haven’t heard the end of it since; the best she’s ever had! How could I not order it this time around? The beef was cut paper thin and paired well with the creamy texture of the black truffle aïoli.

Braised Pork “Osso Bucco” with Garnet Yam Polenta, Roasted Maitake Mushrooms & Marsala
The sides once again decided my entree for me. It was between the ‘Roasted All Natural Statler Chicken Breast with Green Asparagus & White Mushroom Risotto, Fine Herbes’ (aka RISOTTO) and the Osso Bucco with POLENTA. I ended up choosing the latter b/c I can’t justifiy ordering chicken at a restaurant of this caliber. The pork was so tender I didn’t even need a knife to cut it. I don’t care for mushrooms but the polenta was of course delicious, I just wish there was more of it!

Classic Profiteroles with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Dark Chocolate Sauce and Pistachio Croquant
Two profiteroles were stuffed with vanilla ice cream and topped with slightly hardened chocolate sauce and pistachios. For me, vanilla ice cream is a bore but I did enjoy this dessert. I liked the sweet/salty combination, but it was one notch too salty for my palette.

____________________________________________________

March 26th, 2010
Stop #3 for restaurant week: Sorellina’s sister establishment Mistral, located between Boston’s Back Bay & South End at 223 Columbus Avenue. It wasn’t hard to tell that the two restaurants have the same owner/chef Jamie Mammano (and possibly the same stylist), as the overall feel & décor upon entering is comfortable, sophisticated, & cohesive. You may think the whimsical wrought iron chandeliers, the French pottery, and the stone that covered the floor, walls & bar countertop would give off a cold vibe, but I felt the complete opposite, as if I was dining in my own chic living room. Before the sun set the room was filled with warmth & light thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows & their soft yellow curtains. The small lounge upon entering held cushioned patio-like lounge chairs, a couch with a plethora of pillows, and short tables that reminded me of wooden spools. The 40 person bar is separated from the dining area by 3 large illuminated rustic photographs, which are each sandwiched between 8ft tall narrow trees. My friend & I were led to our table and I immediately grabbed the booth seat, which was not unlike that of Sorellina: long banquette seating. I was connected to the other diners and had my very own pillow to make the evening even more relaxed. 

Bread: The small round loaf came pre-cut into about 6 pieces, along with a plate of butter and a chickpea hummus mix. Warm, full, and crunchy, this sourdough bread was a nice surprise and tasted great with both condiments (so great that my friend took ½ the loaf to go with her leftovers).  

Menu: This restaurant week menu had 3 options each for the Appetizer, Entrée, and Dessert. The regular day-to-day online menu differs from the one that I saw this evening, which makes me believe that the meals change daily so as to use the freshest ingredients possible. From the 3 options I had for restaurant week I choose to start with the Caesar Salad, continue with the grilled 12oz Sirloin (complete with “Potato Lyonnaise”, port wine reduction & gorgonzola butter), and finish with the Belgium Chocolate Mousse with Vanilla Sabayon Brulee.  

Presentation: The generous portion of Caesar salad was done just right with shaved parmesan cheese, crunchy croutons, and a light dressing. This dish can often be too creamy, but Mistral’s Caesar dressing was barely there & exceptionally flavorful. The Sirloin was served over the potatoes cubes & a few greens. I guess the gorgonzola was melted on top of the meat, because I saw a hint of butter but could barely taste it. The potatoes were soft & paired well with my medium rare steak. I don’t know the last time I ate an entire 12oz Sirloin, and didn’t anticipate finishing my enormous meal, but it was cooked so well that I couldn’t help myself. The chocolate mousse was served in a martini glass with a top layer of vanilla brulee. Light, rich & fluffy, I was shocked that I didn’t lick the glass clean (although I’m glad I didn’t after finishing off 12oz of meat).  

Bathroom: This was the highlight of my evening! Complete with 4 stalls each with a shutter door that swings in & out, I wouldn’t mind having this style of bathroom in my own home. The stone theme rang throughout, from the floor to the countertops. The bottom ½ of the walls were decorated with tiles, the top ½ painted a warm tan that gave it a rustic & homey feel. Soft napkins with a “Mistral” print were piled in between the 2 sinks, and disposed in the 3 large wooden baskets beneath.  

Service: We didn’t interact too much with our waiter, but when we did he was pleasant & friendly, and noticed when our wine was getting low. My only complaint was that my water wasn’t refilled until the glass was empty when we were receiving our check.  

Overall: Absolutely love the banquette seating, but our tables were so close to our neighbor that I felt like we were dining together, and this seemed to be the case throughout the room. I’ve decided that any restaurant I visit during restaurant week I need to make a point of going back to in order to experience the full menu. I enjoyed everything I ordered but the options were of course limited, so I’d like to return to try the fish which I heard is outstanding. The meals weren’t as inventive as Sorellina, but the atmosphere was just as sophisticated, warm, & comfortable. The regular prices are high so I won’t be (and frankly can’t be) rushing back.  

The Perfect Bite: I had a hard time determining what my favorite part of the meal was. I was satisfied with every course but there wasn’t one that stood out from the rest. Not many places can do a Caesar salad just the way I like it, so I’ll have to go with the appetizer: shaved parm, crunchy crouton, romaine lettuce coated with just enough dressing (that didn’t upset my lactose intolerant stomach). 

www.mistralbistro.com

Sorellina

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Pappardelle with rabbit ragu

Pappardelle with rabbit ragu

Walking into Sorellina at 1 Huntington Avenue, I already knew I was in for a treat. I had heard nothing but rave reviews of Chef/Owner Jamie Mammano’s sister restaurants: L’Andana (located outside the city in Burlington MA), Mistral (my next stop for restaurant week!), Mooo… (I visited last year& am searching for a special occasion to return), and Teatro (a theater district gem). After being led to our table I was confident that my evening would live up to the expectations. My party of 4 took our seats; the boys in their chairs & the girls on the booth side which extended from one side of the room to the other, connecting all the diners on a sofa-like seating arrangements. Every few tables even had pillows to lean on! I hadn’t even opened the menu and I was already thrilled. From the floor-to-ceiling windows, to the back-lit full wall mural, to the tree/branch theme, I was enthralled with the atmosphere and felt welcome & comfortable.

Bread: On a rectangular plate we were brought a 10” loaf with 4 pre-cut pieces. I enjoy when the bread is appropriately rationed out, so as not to waste any leftovers. The pieces were generous in size, had a crunchy top, and tasted great with a little butter. We asked for more, but I held back on seconds – I had my 3 courses to focus on.

Menu: This restaurant week menu had a couple more options than others, which made it (almost) difficult to make a decision. I was torn between the pasta meal & steak dish for my entrée, but after seeing the mushrooms that accompanied the meat I was able to choose the following for my 3 courses: Calamari, Pappardelle, Ciocollato.

Presentation: The grilled calarmi primi must have been a special addition, because in doing my research I couldn’t find it on any Sorellina web menu, so my description may lack some detail. What I can tell you is that I’ve never had grilled calamari like this before. Presented in a bowl with a narrow bottom & wide rim (making it difficult to scrounge up every last piece!), the squid was accompanied by what I believe to be a ‘tempestine’ pasta (imagine an orzo pasta but smaller and round.. something you’d find in a soup). The combination gave the dish substance & the hint of red pepper flakes provided the right amount of zip. The pappardelle came with braised rabbit ragu & shaved Pecorino Toscano (cheese made from sheep’s milk). The ragu came underneath the pasta, soaking in a delicious, slightly buttery sauce, which gave the pappardelle major flavor. The pairing of the pasta with the tender rabbit made this dish outstanding. The table also ordered a side of truffled fries with parmigiano, which came in a small cast iron pot. I was dining with a few ketchup freaks who asked for a side, and we were delivered a generous portion in a small square bowl which they requested I make a note about 🙂  The ciocollato is described on the menu as a chilled chocolate Budino, with crème fraiche & amarene cherries. Really, all I saw was “chocolate” and I went for it. I’m not positive what a “Budino” is, so I’ll describe it as a torte, which was thick & rich with a strong smokey after taste. My two friends ordered the same, and one could barely eat hers because of the “torchy” taste. I’m assuming this feature was on purpose, and I didn’t dislike it enough to stop eating. It was definitely a taste I never had before in a dessert (besides S’mores), and despite leaving some on my plate (it was just so rich), I did enjoy it.

Bathroom: While they are single stalls/rooms, there are at least a couple women’s & men’s doors to choose from in case one is occupied. The restroom itself was chic & modern with a small-tiled warm toned floor. The mirror was large and circular hanging from a rope/ribbon. The sink was rectangular, smooth and somewhat transparent, lit from below. No complaints except for the old-fashioned lock which almost held me captive.

Wait Staff: The front of the house was welcoming and led us to our table in the center of the triangular-shaped room. Our waiter Kirk was attentive & able to suggest for me a dry red wine when I was having trouble telling them apart (I love red wine, but usually stick to Merlot or Malbec). I have to say I was a little intimidated by him though; he was knowledgeable & delivered everything promptly, but he didn’t really smile and seemed to be strictly business. He did have a few accessories which I noticed & loved: the waiters’ blue pin-striped aprons were a smart touch in a room filled with blacks, browns, and whites; my girlfriend’s cocktail was delivered on a “disco ball” metallic tiled serving tray; the entrees were delivered while my boyfriend was using the restroom and his meal was kept warm with a metal covering; the crumb scraper is always an A+, making a smooth & clean tablecloth after the main course (ok I’ll admit it, I tend to be a messy eater).

Overall: I think I can safely say this is now one of my favorite restaurants in Boston. The food of course has a lot to do with it, but I just loved the atmosphere & décor. I really appreciated the little touches of decoration that tied the whole theme together: the plates/chargers that were on the table (until we ordered) held a beautifully simple tree print; the unique box within a box chandeliers were scattered above the diners; the massive back-lit wine rack took up a large section of the back wall. It was warm & stylish, energetic yet relaxed (2 thumbs up for the couch-like booths with pillows). I felt as though I was at a hip new spot in NYC! They also have a complimentary car service for anyone who lives within metro Boston. The regular prices are definitely out of my league, so perhaps I’ll return when my boyfriend is treating me for a birthday dinner 😉

The Perfect Bite: The calamari was like no other, but that was one of the better ragu pasta dishes I’ve tasted. Pappardelle is one of my favorites, and the sauce & pieces of rabbit meat worked perfectly together.

www.sorellinaboston.com

Radius

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cauliflower soup

cauliflower soup

Ah yes, it’s that time of year again… restaurant week begins! For my first of three reservations I decided on Radius with my boyfriend & parents.  Located on the corner of High Street & Summer Street in the financial district, Radius’ chef Michael Schlow presents you with modern French cuisine in a chic & elegant setting. The main dining room is shaped in a ½ circle with tables lining the perimeter, and more seating in an intimate inner circle, complete with tables & booths. Red lighting lines the top of the wall encompassing you in a warm tone. Unfortunately, we were not really able to experience this atmosphere as we were seated in a small side room with three other tables. While this room was an open continuation of the central area, I felt a little secluded as the main décor did not extend into this room, leaving it a bit dull. I was hoping the meal would make up for the lack in atmosphere.

Bread: Before the bread was served we were brought a small tasting from the chef; in a miso soup spoon was a braised brussel sprout, tomato confit, bacon, & crispy bread. I’m not a huge brussel sprout fan, but the tomato added a nice touch. Shortly after, everyone was served their own individual roll accompanied by two plates of warm butter triangles for the table. The bread was warm & crispy, and I was surprised & delighted to learn it was sourdough!

Menu: In a rectangular leather booklet, we were presented with 2 options for the first course, 3 for the main course, and 2 for dessert. The rest of the menu was still available, but each item had an additional cost on top of the $33.10 you were paying for restaurant week. Having studied the menu the night before in anticipation, I already knew what I was ordering: cauliflower soup, lightly seared salmon, carrot cake “a la Radius”.

Presentation: I was brought a shallow bowl that contained the crispy duck, brioche croutons, & romanesco, and the cauliflower soup was poured in front of me out of a cast iron kettle. Deliciously creamy without being too rich or heavy, this was a great start to the evening. The brioche croutons & few pieces of duck added a nice touch. My salmon was presented on top of local braising greens & a pile of warm lentils. While it was cooked perfectly, the cumin vinaigrette wasn’t as strong as I was hoping, so the dish lacked that special something that would have separated it from all the other salmon dishes I’ve had in the past. Absolutely tasty, but I was expecting something more, something different. The carrot cake interested as it came disassembled, each ingredient on a different area of the plate: cake topped with long & thin carrot shavings, cream cheese frosting, warm ice cream piled on some walnuts. The cake itself was great and tasted even better with the sweeter than usual ice cream. A creative & fun way to present a dessert!

Wait Staff: Our waitress was nice & knowledgeable, and always had a smile on her face. The manager came over during our main course to make sure everything was to our liking, which it was. After the entrée, the waitress brought a crumb scraper over to clear off our tablecloth which I always enjoy (I’d love to get one of those little gadgets for my house!). There was a bit of a wait between the bread and our first course, and our dinner ended up being 2 ½ hours, which I think goes down in history as the longest meal I’ve ever had at a restaurant. I’m not necessarily complaining since I like making an event out of dining out, I just wasn’t expecting to be rolling myself out of there at 9pm.

Bathroom: To get to the restrooms you have to ascend down this beautiful wide marble(?) staircase and pass through a lounge/wine bar. Complete with a wine vault (this building use to house a bank), bar, and comfortable seating, I felt like I was in a hotel lobby. The bathroom itself was one of the larger ones I’ve seen; when you first walk in there is a small seating area with two low stools with thick cushions that are in front of a large mirror. This leads into the section with the stalls; there were at least six, and each had a small shelf for your purse. The sink countertop was like a deck floor, with narrow sections of dark wood. The sink itself was a large white bowl, raised up and placed on top of the counter. I enjoyed the spacious & modern feel.

Overall: I personally feel like atmosphere is a large part of dining out, so I felt as though I missed out on the full Radius experience by being placed in that side room. None of us were disappointed with our meals, but I think we were expecting a bit more; perhaps more originality with the salmon, maybe a larger portion of the panna cotta dessert that my father had trouble finding on his plate. It is generally an expensive spot, so I won’t be rushing back, but if I do return I’ll make sure to eat in the main dining room and perhaps I’ll have a different take. I did appreciate the bite sized after dinner treats that were brought with the check: lime meringues, raspberry gelatins, and orange biscottis.

The Perfect Bite: The cauliflower soup was absolutely the highlight of the evening. I love how it was presented and it was even more delicious than I was expecting. The pieces of duck added great texture to the smooth & creamy dish.

www.radiusrestaurant.com