Wellfleet Oysterfest

A pronounced brininess meets a mellow sweetness, where the meat is plump and they go down with a crisp, clean finish. The best oysters, no doubt, are Wellfleet's. Cultivated in the pristine, nutrient rich estuaries of Wellfleet Harbor, located in Northeastern Cape Cod Bay, the festival honoring them takes place on the third weekend in October. Yes, October. So I'm taking it back to 2014. 

Alex, Leah, Mom, Bob and I ran the annual 5K on Sunday morning around the windy, hilly roads down by the Harbor. Afterwards we walked into town, exploring art galleries along the way. Then we feasted. Raw Oysters. Grilled Oysters Rockefeller. Skate bites. Oyster chowder. Raw clams. Crab cakes. Sam Adams Porter. Clam chowder. More oysters. More dark beer. Bloody Marys. The oysters are the stars, but there is plenty of fresh seafood in a standout supporting role. What a day.

good books.

This year I made it a point to read a lot more and am feeling the need to share what's good. I love reading reviews and recommends that other bloggers put out. So, here is my version - without the hefty summary or plot level details. You'll just have to take my word for it! 

The Goldfinch 

Donna Tartt

This was my favorite read of 2014. Beautifully written; stimulating and fascinating and long. Long in a good way! Although not your typical "page turner", I found myself eager to get back to reading it each time I picked it up again, and thoroughly enjoying the sprawling, ambitious story.

Gillian Flynn's other books. (This is assuming that you have read GONE GIRL, and if not, I'd recommend that, too!)

Sharp Objects
Gillian Flynn

True to form, this one is addictive and haunting, clever and disturbing. It made my skin crawl so bad I had to put it down and take deep breaths before picking it back up again. And just when you are positive you can predict the ending, it's completely unpredictable. I loved that about this book.

  

Dark Places

Gillian Flynn
 

I am in the middle of this one right now. I had to read a couple lighthearted books in between. Same twisted mind, completely different story. I have a feeling when I finish I am going to be eagerly awaiting the day Gillian Flynn publishes her next thriller.

Leaving Time

Jodi Picoult

It had been awhile since I read anything by Jodi, but her always reliable, poignant and thought provoking style keeps me entertained. Leaving Time is her latest novel and it doesn't disappoint. After I finished The Goldfinch, this was my follow up beach read. 

Big Little Lies

Liane Moriarty

There were some really important messages and themes mixed in with entertaining small town adult drama, portrayed from various Mom's points of view. I wouldn't put it at the top of the list, but I was happy I read it.

The Good Girl

Mary Kubica

The Good Girl was gripping and powerful. I loved this one and would highly recommend it.

What are you guys reading? What should I read next?

East by Northeast

East by Northeast’s chef/owner Phillip Tang honed the craft of noodle making in his parents’ Chinese restaurant. From Ramen to Ragu - the noodles are sensational; long, silky and chewy. His menu also focuses on small plates like house-made buns, to be paired with these heartier noodle dishes. The result is a homey meal of elevated Chinese comfort foods. The space mimics a similar at-home-vibe, it is tiny (about ten tables and a four seat bar) and cozy with light cornflower blue walls and clean white accents.

Amuse Bouche 

YELLOWTAIL | torched rice, avocado, powdered nori

Chalkboard specials

CAULIFLOWER CROQUETTES ($9) | smoked tahini puree, preserved lemon, cilantro relish

BEEF TONGUE PASTRAMI SANDWICH ($4) | hot mustard, brussels sprout & rutabaga slaw, mantou bread

Regular menu

EDAMAME SALAD ($5) | apple, kale, pomegranate, creamy sesame miso dressing  

PORK BELLY ($4) | roasted belly, apple, pickled red onion, apple butter hoisin sauce 

RAMEN ($15) | smoked pork confit, miso pork broth, soft poached egg, xo sauce, toasted nori    

RED CURRY LOBSTER ($22) | butter poached lobster, egg noodles, coconut red curry sauce, chanterelles, spaghetti squash   

FALL VEGETABLE RAGU ($15) | sautéed black trumpet mushrooms, thick cut noodles, soft poached egg, pickled golden beets, fried shallots    

HOUSE MADE TRUFFLES | vanilla jasmine, sesame, chili

This is one of those restaurants that makes you exclaim why did I not eat here sooner?!? Needless to say, I could really go for some of those pork buns right about now. This dinner was a standout. For your next date night, or to satisfy a ramen craving, East by Northeast is the spot.

East by Northeast

1128 Cambridge Street

Cambridge, MA 02139

*this meal was complimentary - all opinions are my own*

Christmas 2014.

I know. It is mid January. We've welcomed and settled comfortably into 2015. I have been spending a lot of time in Vermont, skiing at Killington and Jay Peak. Finally, a little time at home has allowed me to sort through photos. I am so glad I captured Leah and Alex's Christmas spread! Her at home bar was churning out grapefruit-rosemary-honey martinis with lemon zest and sugar dusted cranberries. I made the appetizers - deviled eggs and a spinach artichoke dip. We had a salad course. We had a soup course. Alex roasted a chicken. My mom's famous éclair ring made its traditional appearance. It was a happy and relaxed holiday season, the best kind.