The Terrace @ Aragosta

I hope everyone had wonderful Memorial Day Weekend! Mine was pretty tame and thankfully felt as long as it was. There was some major relaxation happening (spa day + reading in the park) coupled with some amazing eats (Backyard BBQ, dinner at Citizen Public House) but best of all here in New England we were finally able to welcome summer weather. On Wednesday evening I visited one of Boston's newest waterfront dining destinations, Aragosta Bar & Bistro located in The Fairmont Battery Wharf. Aragosta replaces the former hotel restaurant Sensing, completely revitalizing the outdoor space with tables overlooking picturesque Boston Harbor and plush couches surrounding cozy firepits. Deep brown wicker patio furniture combined with rust colored umbrellas and fabrics set the scene as bloggers trickled into a private tasting of Chef David Daniels contemporary Italian cuisine and specialty Italian themed cocktails. Making a lasting first impression is an especially inventive cocktail, starting off sweet and finishing with a punch the Yellow Pepper Limoncello Sour pairs the classic Italian liquor with vodka, agave nectar, lemon juice and fresh chive. Also up for sampling was their well poured Moscow Mule starring Grey Goose with pureed ginger, freshly squeezed lime juice and club soda. More traditional is the Mule, great for those who can appreciate a strong bite from the fresh ginger. Platters of Hand Crafted Salumi, Caponata, Hot Cherry Peppers & Crusty Bread were waiting for us upon arrival, along with some loaves of soft and chewy bread accompanied by olives in olive oil.Shortly after the Tartufo Fries cooked in duck fat and truffle oil swept us off our feet. The Lobster & Truffle Crostini with a white bean puree is definitely an appetizer I would recommend, boasting thick chunks of succulent lobster accented by luxurious earthy truffle in every bite. The sweet velvety Lobster Bisque was inviting and comforting even when sipped on a warm summer evening.

Aragosta is Italian for lobster after all!

The Sautéed Calamari Salad served with baby arugula, San Marzano tomato, balsamic and an olive tapenade would be an excellent start to a summer meal, the variety of flavors in this dish highlighting the cool toothsome squid. Our waitress was more than happy to take additional drink orders so a few of us chose the intriguing Settana Cinque described on the menu as the Italian version of the French 75; a cocktail that hits with remarkable precision. It combines Aperol liquor shaken with freshly squeezed lemon juice and prosecco.Once the appetizer bites were through plate after plate of small entrée portions were delivered. We ooed and aahed our way through the delectable homemade pasta courses and stuffed ourselves even more with a heartier New England seafood dish and a Pork entrée after that. I could not believe how much food we tasted! Pappardelle Bolognese // Veal Cheek & Ox Tail Ragu, Porcini Powder. The thick coils of pappardelle pasta were exquisite, the flavorful ragu of shredded veal cheek and ox tail accompanied a melty hunk of brie cheese. This felt like a winter time entrée to me, probably because I always crave a thick hearty Bolognese when it is cold out. That's not to discourage if you were in the mood, the components still hold up on a warm summer evening. Orecchiette  // Broccoli Rabe, Pancetta, Capers, Preserved Lemon. Now this is one that beckons summer on a patio to me, definitely the pasta entrée I am craving the most and would order upon my return. Bursting with salty, lemony flavors, those little pockets of perfectly shaped orecchiette delicately cradled the pancetta and capers, the crisp broccoli rabe rounding out the dish. Gnocchi // Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder, Rosemary Citrus Jus, Asparagus. A thoughtful pairing is gnocchi with lamb and asparagus, as opposed to just plain old gnocchi, this dish steps it up. The dense cushions of potato pasta get coated in a thick creamy cheese sauce and a dusting of breadcrumbs, while the entire dish relishes the potent rosemary citrus jus. Lobster Ravioli // Wilted Pea Greens, Fennel Pollen, Cauliflower, Truffle. There's that heavenly lobster and truffle combination again!Seared Tuna // Roasted Fennel, Marcona Almonds, Golden Raisin Puree. Each piece of sushi grade tuna came perfectly seared on the edges. When paired with bites of the candied marcona almonds, sweet golden raisin puree and fennel, it was so so good!PT Farms Pork Chop // Fontina, Pancetta, Algre Dolce Peppers. A well cooked pork chop comes coated in melted fontina cheese with thick, salty pancetta.Somewhere in between all this I ordered a glass of Prosecco, happily sipping it in the comfy confines of the terrace couches with good company as the sun went down and the cooler night air set in. The tasting wrapped up with a Mascarpone Ice Cream accompanying a golden raisin filled tart dusted with powdered sugar. Each dish with its own unique flair offered a beautiful presentation using fresh seasonal ingredients. I would also like to note that while this tasting was complimentary, the price points clock in with first courses between $10-15, pasta entrees start at $17 and seafood entrees average around $30.It is not often that the North End sees a new restaurant opening, much less a waterfront destination. Seems the new spots are always popping up in Cambridge, Back Bay, the South End or Liberty Wharf (everywhere but here, basically) so we deserve this one! I have a strong inclination to return to the terrace already! Sipping cocktails and watching the sunset over the harbor never gets old. 

Aragosta 

3 Battery Wharf

Boston, MA 02109