Not Your Average Joe's | Waltham

Not Your Average Joe's is a popular local chain which recently opened its 24th location! Last week they had a group of us in for dinner at the new Waltham location and I was thoroughly impressed. Buzzing with a convivial energy; the modern-industrial and open concept space from the swanky bar made of fossilized oyster shells, to the expansive dining room appointed with chic aqua booths, to the open kitchen firing out first rate dishes, NYAJ's Waltham was a scene I was happy to be a part of. Their patio firepits were a blaze, even though the chilly weather kept patrons indoors. 

After a spirited tour of the new restaurant - including the kitchen and walk in fridge, Joe's famous Foccacia bread kicked off the meal alongside well made and affordable cocktails. I enjoyed a gently stirred Bourbon Smash ($10) with Elijah Craig small batch Kentucky bourbon, agave nectar, muddled lemon and mint. Next, A Cranberry Daiquiri ($9) in an elegant coupe glass hits the spot. Served up with Privateer Silver rum, cranberry simple syrup and fresh squeezed lime, it was tart and refreshing, not to mention a strikingly gorgeous red color.

Joe's specializes in creative, casual American cuisine and all the dishes are made from scratch. We shared a number of their popular appetizers beginning with the Deviled Eggs ($7) which were zesty and crunchy, thanks to the addition of sriracha, togarashi spice and a topping of crushed Cape Cod potato chips. The addictive Buffalo Carribean Chicken Tenders ($10) are hand breaded and tossed in a sweet and spicy mango-buffalo-bbq sauce. Finally, Mango Shrimp Rolls ($9) are light, crisp and flavorful with sweet-chili poached shrimp, mango, cucumber, mint, cilantro and rice noodles, complimented by a tangy peanut dipping sauce.

The Butternut Squash Flatbread ($10) is worthy as a starter or main course with shaved brussels sprouts, caramelized onions, smoked mozzarella, a balsamic reduction and an inventive sage-pecan pesto. Grilled chicken is tossed with quinoa, green apples, pistachios, avocado, spinach, mint, cilantro and and orange-sesame dressing in the appropriately named Super Crunch Salad ($15). It was legitimately the crispest, most delicious salad ever, even as next day leftovers. 

 

The dishes above represent about half of what was served to us this evening. (I actually ended up taking home three meals worth of leftovers.) One of my favorites that made an excellent lunch, but didn't make it into a photo was the spice rubbed and grilled Vietnamese Salmon ($19.50) served over wide rice noodles in a chili-lime broth with crisp snap peas and crushed peanuts. The Mustard Crusted Chicken ($15) is marinated in a three mustard sauce, coated in panko and pan seared, served with a lemon aioli, green beans and garlic mashed potatoes. Scallop lovers will rejoice over the all natural, pan seared Rosemary Skewered Scallops ($25) from New Bedford. They come served over an Israeli couscous, grilled corn, bacon and tomato succotash with an orange chipoltle glaze.

For dessert we were served a warm Goji Berry Apple Crisp ($7.50) with cinnamon spiced apples, ginger and a brown sugar oat crust and Carrot Cake ($7.50) dripping in luscious cream cheese frosting and caramel sauce. Also the Peanut Butter Thing ($8) which is Joe's claim to fame: A peanut butter-chocolate chunk loaded vanilla ice cream cake with an Oreo cookie crumb crust topped with fresh whipped cream, drizzled with warm caramel and chocolate sauces!! This might have been my favorite part of the meal. It's that good!

It is always exciting to see a passionate, local brand continue to evolve and expand. NYAJ's newest location will appeal to loyal patrons and newcomers alike. I am already looking forward to a return trip.

Not Your Average Joe's

56 Market Place Drive

Waltham, MA 02451

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

eats + drinks | Gracenote, Granary, Silvertone

Gracenote Coffee Roasters | Leather District

Lattes at Gracenote Coffee: This tiny espresso bar at 108 Lincoln Street is conveniently located right where the bus drops me off every morning. Even if you don't take a Mass Pike express bus into town this independent roaster is worth a visit. The finest beans sourced from for example: La Papaya Farm in Ecuador, Misty Valley, Ethiopia and Irati AB, Kenya are meticulously roasted. 

Strong and rich espresso with thick frothy milk, this is one of the best lattes I have ever had.  The barista art puts a smile on my face and makes them photo worthy, every time. (Yes, there are three different lattes pictured here. Give them a second glance and you can tell! So pretty!)

    Granary Tavern | Financial District

The New Guinness Nitro IPA alongside BBQ Pork Nachos ($12) and Fried Chicken + Waffles ($17) at Granary Tavern. The nachos are next level with house made potato chips, pickled onions, fresh cheese + avocado aioli. And with an ideal ratio of chicken to waffle to maple drizzle + honey butter, the latter dish is a home run.

Townsman | Edge of FiDi and Chinatown

A single cocktail at Townsman: the Green Girder ($12) with Beefeater Gin, fresh celery juice, smoke and salt. The cocktail was terrific and I love cocktails with a celery element! The fact that I haven't had a meal here yet and I work SO close is inexcusable. They are sweeping every publications best new restaurant category, pretty much every where you turn there's a positive buzz about Townsman. One of these days....

Silvertone | Downtown Crossing

Ultimate comfort food at Silvertone: Mac + Cheese ($10) topped with toasted buttered breadcrumbs + peas and Meatloaf + Mashed Potatoes ($12) with brown gravy + the vegetable of the day, bok choy.  

Where have you guys been eating + drinking lately? New hotspots? Old favorites?

Masa Taqueria + Tequila Bar | Woburn

I have always been a fan of the South End's Masa for spicy cocktails and margaritas, tasty southwestern inspired food, and their fantastic brunch.

Last Saturday I paid my first visit to their recently revamped Woburn counterpart, Masa Taquieria & Tequila Bar (formerly Masa Southwest Bar & Grill). They've updated their menu, décor and website - all that's left seems to be the outdoor signage. The interior transports diners from a typical suburban strip mall to somewhere much more sophisticated; yet the vibe still remains casual and relaxed. Comfy chocolate leather booths meet white exposed brick walls which are home to a large collection of colorful Mexican posters - notably retro travel adds, accented by rainbow painted wainscoting. Zorro chandeliers and punched metal Southwestern light sconces envelope the space in a warm glow. 

They have some new interactive touches - a Hola! sign you can clip into a memo stand if you need the waitress' attention and a mini index card of the menu to select your food. 

A tres chile margarita ($11.50) was in order first. The jalapeño infused blanco tequila + anaheim + poblanos (the thres chiles!) brought a fantastic heat. This marg was a perfect pairing with creamy guacamole (small/$5) where large slices of ripe avocado are laced with red onions, garlic + lime and served with high quality tortilla chips. 

They have a large selection of tequilas, plus tequila flights and a few mezcals, although we stuck to cocktails this evening. The high noon ($10.5) with high west bourbon, lemon, luxardo, and domaine de canton was good - definitely on the sweeter side. The habanero watermelon margarita ($12) was a favorite I recognized from the South End's menu; habanero infused resposado tequila, triple sec and watermelon puree are a winning combination. (I even replicated this at home for a fourth of july party one year - a big hit!)

Off the specials menu Bob enjoyed the Grilled Swordfish over sautéed kale and butternut squash polenta. It was juicy and tender, a well executed piece of fish. I was excited about my Small Taco Combo ($26) which included six tacos, one tamale, rice, beans and grilled mexican corn. The tacos are miniature - two or three bites worth and are also offered individually for $2.75 - $3.75. I ordered: chorizo with cranberry salsa, portobello mushroom with cotija cheese, charred shrimp with sweet pepper slaw, slow cooked chicken with roasted tomato salsa, crispy cod fish with garlic aoili and carne asada with pico de gallo. I honestly don't think they can make a bad taco! And I loved the opportunity for variety. The rice and beans were surprisingly lackluster. I liked the corn tamale and the street corn though, so overall the taco combo was solid.

The churros ($7) shaped to resemble heavy crullers were deceiving! Not to worry, the first bite revealed a light and airy, ever so slightly crisp and piping hot churro, alongside a rich, warm, bittersweet chocolate sauce for dipping. For dessert, these are a no-brainer. 

Masa Taqueria + Tequila Bar
Woburn Plaza Shopping Center

350 Cambridge Rd.

Woburn, MA 01801

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

La Bastide Bed & Breakfast + Dundee Eats

I can't say enough about how lovely our accommodations were in the Willamette Valley. La Bastide Bed & Breakfast was comfortable, relaxing, and a touch romantic; the perfect spot to end our Oregon adventures. The innkeepers Mark and Elizabeth built the house just recently in 2014; the name referring to a country home in Provence, France, with a nod to their personal style and the style of wines in Dundee. Our second floor room had soft new carpets underfoot, crisp white linens, tasteful artwork, breezy curtains, a walk in closet, a gas fireplace and a spacious bathroom. We had a charming view of the neighboring Hyland Estates. And if the photos are any indication - Elizabeth's elegant two-course breakfasts were also a highlight of our stay. 

La Bastide is located just off the main road in Dundee. It was an easy walk to dinner and it is within two miles of 25 tasting rooms and wineries. Currently they are operating 3 guest rooms and plan to have 7 up and running in the coming months. 

La Bastide Bed & Breakfast
21150 NE Niederberger Road
Dundee, Oregon 97115

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 We enjoyed thoughtfully prepared Northwest wine country cuisine and a romantic setting at Tina's for dinner on our first evening.

We started with classic cocktails. An Old Fashioned ($11) Makers Mark with muddled cherry, orange & a bitters-soaked sugar lump for him and an Añejo Marguerita ($11) classic, everything fresh squeezed with Cointreau & a salty rim for her. The House Salad ($8) with organic greens, shallot vinaigrette, parmesan & hazelnuts is substantial and the Pumpkin Soup ($8) divine. Entrees are hearty and gorgeously executed. The Duck Breast ($34) is seared and roasted with creamy fried polenta, braised greens and a green peppercorn sauce. The Lamb Rack ($44) features heirloom green beans, Yukon gold-horseradish rösti and a Riesling beurre blanc. For dessert a Chocolate Soufflé Cake ($10) with house made ice cream is a perfect end to a wonderful meal.

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And on our second evening after a full day of wine tasting (our last one just upstairs at Domaine Trouvere) it was the casual vibe and good eats at Red Hills Market that drew us in.

 We kept it simple, sharing a couple beers served in mason jars, a delicious Potato Soup ($5) and wood fired Margarita Pizza ($12). 

And that's a wrap! We're done with Oregon! I'm officially ending on a Margarita Pizza and beers in downtown Dundee. Thank you for following along as I got to re-live this adventure. If you are considering planning a trip to the incredible state that is Oregon - DO IT!!