City Landing

City Landing opened quietly in July, filling a prime location on the Greenway overlooking the Wharf District parks. It takes over where the original and well liked Sel de la Terre left off after nearly 12 years. 

There was definitely room for a new type of energy on Long Wharf and the re-design embraces that with wide light filled windows, green fabric booths and matching lime colored placemats. Handsome contemporary stone work inlaid with pretty blue tiles frame the dining room with contrasting chocolate brown tables.

My mom, sister and I has just gotten back from hiking Spectacle Island and were looking to relax, this was the perfect spot to do so. After the host greeted us warmly we settled comfortably into our table and proceeded to study the wine and cocktail list. I settled first on a Pineapple Jalapeno Caipirinha ($13) it was one of the more exciting versions of a caipirinha I've had, the sweet and spicy livening up the traditional lime and mint.

The wines are grouped progressively - light, medium and full bodied, with a range of selections. Glasses are offered in 6 and 9 ounces, accompanied by a sleek carafe. Later in the meal I chose a 9oz pour of the Domane Wachau, Gruner Veltliner ($15) a versatile and food friendly wine with a medium body and crisp acidity.

We were pretty excited upon placing our appetizer order for the Trio of Spreads ($12) consisting of truffle herb goat cheese (say no more), white bean roasted garlic and artichoke tapenade. The pitas were served warm and the super flavorful spreads come in adorable ceramic pots; the meal was off to a terrific start. 

The dreary and drizzling weather lent ideal conditions to linger over a bowl of soup. Or two. I saw they offered a Soup Sampler Duo ($9) - it gave me the impression that a lot of thought went into the menu. I was really into this offering.

If your craving a cup of Boston Clam Chowder, skip the wait at Legals and make your way just around the corner.  Chef-owner Bill Brodsky's version is expertly seasoned, briny and creamy, with a nice thick broth and perfectly cooked morsels of potato. The crispy clam on top certainly adds a special touch. It's no surprise this chef has mastered the art of clam chowder, he comes here after spending over a decade at Wequassett Resort in the quaint town of Chatham, on Cape Cod. 

It seems he's no slouch either, when it comes to the ultimate bowl of comfort, Tomato Soup. To be precise, this is a Yellow Tomato Bisque and it's bursting with sweet, ripe, juicy tomato scents and flavors, heightened by swirls of chive oil and a flaky cheddar twist on the side. 

I tried my Mom's entree sized Caesar Salad with Grilled Salmon ($23) it was robust with white anchovy, chopped hard boiled egg, capers, garlic croutons and parmesan, the ampel slice of salmon moist and flaky. My sisters Crispy Chicken Sandwich ($13) was yet another solid offering, it came with lettuce, onion, tomato, bacon, Swiss cheese and a lovely basil mayonnaise.

Our impressive lunch was matched with kind natured front-of-the-house staff, our waiter was attentive without being overbearing and the manager offers warm smiles as he moves about about the dining room, taking note of newcomers and making sure to thank us as we left. City Landing proves to be a great fit for the area, I'm happy to see them doing well!