Indulge Inspire Imbibe

stir it up

2012-01-26T08:30:00.003-05:00

My latest inspiration in the kitchen comes from Stir. The cookbook is written by chef Barbara Lynch, who has perhaps one of the most respected and inspirational coming of age success stories in Boston. Her tales of growing up in the Southie projects are told all over town, touching on her involvement with petty crime or reminiscing about the time she stole an MBTA Bus at age 13 (for fun), to the home ec class in high school where her passion for cooking ignited. With 6 highly acclaimed and well loved Boston restaurants (No. 9 Park, B&G Oysters, The Butcher Shop, Sportello, Drink and Menton) not to mention a catering business (No. 9 at Home), and a demonstration kitchen offering classes to the public (also named Stir), the time line from dropping out of high school to present day is nothing short of remarkable. Reading her cookbook gives a true insight into her powerful story, bold natured spirit and of course, her signature dishes. I find most of the recipes to be elegant and distinctive while remaining approachable and practical. They are extremely well written and the food turned out as a result, is exceptional. Two Sunday's ago I made her Lemony Panko Crusted Chicken and Ginger Glazed Carrots and served them alongside Near East garlic and herb couscous. (Chicken, carrots and couscous - apparently, I was going for a "C" themed dinner.)I adapted the carrot recipe only slightly, where chef calls for mustard seeds, I took the liberty of using real mustard. The glaze took on more of a honey mustard quality as a result, but the inherent depth from the ginger remained in tact. The carrots themselves are bright, buttery and perfectly tender.

Ginger Glazed Carrots
6 carrots, trimmed, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch lengths
1 tablespoon spicy yellow mustard
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon finely grated ginger
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
fresh ground black pepper

Prepare to blanch the carrots by boiling a medium saucepan of water and setting aside a bowl full of ice water. Cook the carrots in the boiling water until just tender, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the carrots to the bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain well.

Heat the mustard in a skillet over medium heat, shaking the pan to allow it to disperse, about two minutes. Add the butter and honey. When the butter is melted, add the ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Add the carrots and toss them well. Continue to stir everything until the carrots, butter and flavorings are well combined, about 5 - 7 minutes.

I did not adapt the Lemony Breaded Chicken Cutlets, but I did find the recipe online if you want to make them. Scroll midway down the article linked just above and you will find it within the text. If the fact that the recipe calls for homemade tarragon, parsley and chive herb butter doesn't entice you, nothing will. This is easily my new favorite way to make carrots and undeniably the juiciest and most flavorful chicken to ever come out of my kitchen. I can't wait to share more of what I make from Stir.

Other Indulge Inspire Imbibe posts
featuring a piece of Barbara Lynch's empire:

Restaurant Week at Sportello
Ladies night at Drink
Restaurant Week at B&G Oysters

the hawthorne

2012-01-25T08:30:00.015-05:00

1. phil collins
2. 500A commonwealth avenue
3. frisee & manchego, chestnut honey vinaigrette
4. the newest reason to visit kenmore square
5. “you must stay drunk on writing so reality cannot destroy you.” rb
6. thick sweet cognac.deep italian bitters.aged yellow-green liqueur
7. cheese
8. meghan drinks an old fashioned while her husband Eric looks on
9. convenience
10. the hawthorne strainer was patented in 1892 in Boston
11. there's a zebra couch
12. vodka.cucumber.lime.chartreuse+a metal straw-meets-stirrer
13. fingerling potato skins
14. lin and che
15. deviled eggs, crispy prosciutto, cornichons

cheers, jackson cannon, to a job well done. well done indeed.

JC Rooms Santa Ana | Madrid

2012-01-24T08:30:00.076-05:00

Happy Travel Tuesday! I've certainly waxed poetic enough about Madrid, a simple mention of that majestic Spanish city makes my heart smile. I'm glad this blog has given my experience a home so-to-speak, where the memories live and the recommendations translate. The space where I rested my head every night after taking it all in (every step through Parque Retiro and famous painting at The Prado, every last tapas plate and glass of Sangria....) was JC Rooms Santa Ana offering admirable accommodations in the city center, just steps from Puerta del Sol. The brown marble facade is snuggled in between a tapas bar and a kebab joint on the tiny but busy one way side street, Calle de la Cruz. The hotel is located on the second and third floors where a small reception and lounge area is colorful and inviting with modern decor. Black Ikea tables and shelving are surrounded by energetic orange couches, among newspaper comic strip window curtains and a funky rainbow-bright wall constructed of glass cubes.The vibrant and contemporary hotel managed to offer a number of noteworthy amenities, beginning with my personal favorite: the free mini bar. A fridge restocked daily with ice cold Spanish beer, refreshing soft drinks and bottled water, this was a major perk that I appreciated ten fold after returning from a hot afternoon in the sun or awaking after a late night out. P.S. The Kas was awesome, especially the Limon flavor. P.P.S. The Finkbrau Pils was not great. Now that we've got that out of the way (admit it, you're sold) lets talk about the rooms themselves. When we stayed (September 2011) a room with a double bed cost $112/night. There are 25 rooms total, which were remodeled in October 2010, each one named after a different region of Spain.

We adored the look and feel of Aragon, thriving on a primary color scheme with sunny yellow walls and bold red and blue accents. The blow up photograph turned wall mural of the region truly distinguishes the space. Low hanging light fixtures were appropriately placed and the sweeping curtains over the single window allowed a small amount of light to stream through even when they were closed. The room was tiny, but this much we both expected. I am pretty content in a European hotel as long as I have space enough breath and decent floor space to store my suitcase. A closet is an added bonus. So is a desk and especially so is a computer. This small space contained all three without feeling totally cramped. A flat screen TV is mounted on the wall and there is a safe in the closet. The double bed was comfy and I absolutely loved the intricate black and white bedspread, it added a double dose of contrasting elements to the angular, colorful space. I could have done with fluffier pillows, though. ;)What did feel a little cramped was the bathroom, but with sleek black fixtures defined by shiny red tiles and glowing teal blue windows, it was actually quite striking. Toiletries came in the form of bath gels and soap (no lotion or shampoo) and packaged toothbrushes and toothpaste. There isn't much room on the sink or additional space to spread out your personal goods. A shelf for my contacts, makeup, etc would have been ideal. Supposedly that is a hydro-massage shower, but you could have fooled me. Those mounted nozzles and attached upper shower head were fakes! (We had no idea how to turn them on.) No buttons, switches or what have you existed on the standard movable shower head or anywhere. We tried every conceivable option to turn them on. In theory (or for those non shower engineer challenged) this is a great amenity. Why didn't we ask about them? Well, I think we tried, but, gave up without a fight because it was just a few shower nozzles and we don't speak Spanish very well. (The front desk staff varied in terms of their proficiency in English. Some were fluent, others not at all.) However, all of them were absolutely lovely people who smiled often and genuinely seemed to care about us and our stay. Other noteworthy perks included the free wifi and the free guided tours. I have never come across a hotel that includes a tour in your stay! The pre-scheduled walking tours meet on certain days at 11am the lobby. We decided to take advantage and embarked on a four hour expedition lead by a lively British transplant - a young girl named Lonnie, along with an interesting cast of characters visiting from all over. The tour was fun, engaging and proved to be quite valuable for learning our way around Madrid. With a fresh and innovative approach, these affordable Madrid hotel rooms offer great value for the money. Situated in one of the best locations by which to explore the city and within a safe and spirited neighborhood, I would definitely recommend JC Rooms Santa Ana to travelers with a like minded budget and expectations.

JC Rooms Santa Ana

Sabzi Persian Chelow Kabab

2012-01-20T08:30:00.022-05:00

Venturing off the beaten path to Arlington via the 77 bus, I can only recall having been to this town neighboring frequently visited cities of Cambridge and Somerville once before. The nature of my visit along with fellow Boston Food Bloggers - Rachel, Kathy, Kevin, Meesh and Jacki was to dine at a new restaurant called Sabzi specializing in upscale Persian fare known as Chelow Kabab. I confess to never having tried this variation of Middle Eastern cuisine, but I was definitely open to and intrigued by it.

In full disclosure, tonight's meal was comped, which is a welcome perk but definitely not any reason to sugar coat a review. As with most restaurants that organize an intimate blogger specific dinner, the experience is often favorable and highly regarded. Judging by the small one room dining room buzzing with tables of happy patrons, ours echoed the norm. Through a tiny vestibule lined with faded red curtains, the cozy space is heralded by an L shaped booth constructed of rustic wood panels accented with Middle East throw pillows. Potted green plants and an ad-hoc photo collage play into the homey feel while yellow and sea green hued glass lanterns envelope the space in a soft glow. The owner greets us warmly and takes our coats while simultaneously offering water and wine, returning with a bottle of Rioja to fill our non-traditional wine glasses. This unique detail stands out; it's simply delightful to drink wine out of a regular old glass. A bright start to the meal is a Salad Shirazi ($4.75) made simply with diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and mint tossed in fresh lime juice and olive oil. It serves as a palate cleanser, lending crisp clean bites and refreshing flavors. Thinly slice pita triangles accompany a thick yogurt and Persian shallot dip called Mast-O-Musir ($4.75). Soft and creamy with an added kick from the shallots, this is another straightforward classic to begin the meal. Next, we are introduced to more complex but still traditional flavors, beginning with a seasonal noodle soup called Ash-e Reshteh ($4.75). The long slippery Reshteh (Iranian noodles) proved a little challenging to consume, but were delicious bathing in a substantial blend of spinach, lentils and beans, amply flavored with parsley, saffron and mint. The soup is topped with a dollop of Kashk - which is a form of whey produced from strained yogurt. With similar elements of color and garnish the Kashk-e Bademjan ($6.25) is a sauteed eggplant and caramelized onion dip lending a smooth velvety texture. Spread it lavishly over pita bread and prepare to be comforted by the warm embrace of smokey meets tangy flavors. The Torshi ($3) is a medley of pickled vegetables delivering an extremely sour punch. My taste buds pucker at the site of this dish, it was wildly pungent but I kept going back for more. Particularly memorable and the ultimate crowd pleaser among us was the Seer Torshi ($3). Pickled cloves of garlic are radiant bathing in a pool of zesty balsamic vinegar, not to mention beautiful, producing the type of image you want to freeze in your memory for all time, or frame it in your kitchen as inspiration. After sufficient exposure to the appetizer menu, striking and colorful entrees platters of Chelow Kabab are served.
Perfectly plated arches of kabab meats and vegetables that have been grilled over an open flame surround fluffy, steamed basmatti saffron infused rice, finished at either end with a juicy roasted tomato and pickled cabbage.
This is explained to us as the type of food Persians specifically dine out for, as opposed to cooking in their own home due to the more complicated nature of the preparation methods and equipment.The menu is concise with five main dish offerings and three combination platters. All are thoughtfully well seasoned from the Kabab-e Kubideh ($10.25) which are squares of select ground beef with sumac, onion and a house spice blend to the medallions of tender chicken breasts marinated in saffron and citrus in the Kabab-e Jujeh Barg ($11.25).The texture of the ground beef wasn't all that appealing to me, for my Persian meat fix I much preferred the select cuts of marinated triangle steak in the Kabab-e Barg ($14.25).The marinated fresh vegetables in the Sabzi Kabab ($11.25) were a remarkably charred batch of onions, tomatoes, zucchini and squash.
Saving the best for last, the unanimous table favorite of Kabab-e Jujeh ($11.25) presented a saffron and citrus marinated Cornish hen. The delicate bone in morsels retain lots of flavor, proving far juicier than the chicken medallions which almost seemed dry in comparison. (Still I liked the chicken, but the hen blew it away!) The combo platters (mainly what we were served) jump slightly in price but still remain affordable, the Persepolis ($15.25) offers one Kubideh (ground beef) and one Jujeh Barg (chicken), the Soltani ($16.75) one Kubideh and one triangle steak and the Kermani ($15.25) one Kubideh and one vegetable skewer. We ended the meal with sweet, flaky and nutty bites of Baklava accompanied by soul warming Cardamom Tea served in a charming etched glass mug. Following suit after the red wine in a standard table glass, the tea mug proved just as enjoyable to drink from. A huge thank you to everyone at Sabzi for their generous hospitality this evening and especially for a memorable foray into Persian cuisine. With beautiful plates of traditional food served in a cozy and informal space, they make a welcome addition to East Arlington, in my case a worthwhile venture out of the city on the 77 bus.

Sunday Brunch at The Gallows

2012-01-18T08:30:00.013-05:00

The Gallows is at once thought provoking, unconventional and quirky meets welcoming, comfortable and exciting. The versatile feats are present among every aspect of the experience, from the food and the cocktails to the ambiance, decor points and even the staff. Whats makes this spot a neighborhood hangout, one I'd surely frequent if I lived in the South End, is its simple and straightforward presentation, void of any pretension. The unusual decor is subtle, if you didn't look up as you entered the vestibule you'd miss the mounted dinosaur head flanked by a swarm of bats. Same goes for the porcelin hand display parading overhead at the bar. Fists and wrists tied to thick knotted twine loosely carrying gold orbes front well appointed shelving where a single black crow (mascot?) sits mounted in the center. The mod lighting is the opposite of subtle, funky firecracker fixtures explode over the dim lit dining room and translucent globes shine down on the bar area. Following suit are some seriously awesome breakfast cocktails; simple in execution but ever-so-inventive, Adam and I had two rounds each and then proceeded to recreated them at home that afternoon! The Tounge Terror ($9) does just that. A glorified greyhound, in this reinvented classic zippy vodka and tangy grapefruit mingle with the added flair of cumin and a photogenic lime garnish. The extremely tart citrus fruit and powerful, aromatic spice combo indeed wreak subtle havoc on the tongue. The Brass Monkey ($6) combining Pabst Blue Ribbon on draft and thirst quenching orange juice - this "poor man's mimosa" is surprisingly good. With its light body and carbonation on the heavy side, PBR gets the job done for less. It paired perfectly with Adam's Sunnyside Burger ($15) of which I did get to sample a bite of the runny egg, bacon and American cheese goodness over a juicy flat patty. I ate lots of his lightly crisped fries dipped in excess egg yolk and almost wished I'd ordered the Sunrise Poutine ($15). Almost. I was persuaded by the Fried Chicken and Waffles ($14), and when I questioned the bartender she recommends them without a moments hesitation. The food comes out in no time. Surprise! Golden brown Chinese chicken fingers meet a similarly colored fluffy homemade waffle in this fun, kitschy brunch dish. I have a special affection for Chinese chicken fingers, (I would never order Chinese takeout without them!) so I thought this was really cool. They were exceedingly tastier and more refined than my takeout, though! Cradling crunchy walnuts in its defined squares and piled with sticky caramelized apples, the waffle base loaded with contrasting textures keeps each bite interesting. Warm syrup was drizzled with restraint, achieving an ideal balance of sweet to the savory. (Mostly sweet, a little savory.)Definitely make it a point to get here for Sunday brunch! (Served from 10:30 - 2:30.) We were well attended and felt content to linger at the bar; with the sun streaming in from the windows overlooking Washington Street, it was bright and relaxing. Upon exiting, the host bid a cheerful goodbye as the dimly lit dining room beckoned me back for dinner.

Loving Lately | Food & Drinks

2012-01-16T13:00:00.014-05:00

Happy MLK Day and a very Happy Birthday to my Dad!! I get the day off work and I could not be happier spending it on my couch. Here's a round up of mostly products and one place, near and dear. Enjoy!

A refreshing juice beverage | Tropicana Trop 50

Being a loyal drinker of Tropicana Orange Juice, when I was offered a coupon for a free bottle from their Trop50 line of juice beverages, I didn't hesitate to accept. I did hesitate, however, when it came to choosing a flavor! I debated over delicious sounding Farmstand Apple and Pineapple Mango, eventually deciding on the Pomegranate Blueberry.
Teeming with the juices of two bold flavorful fruits (and a little apple and grape in the mix) I thought the beverage achieved a balanced sweetness that was luscious and refreshing. The Trop 50 line of juice drinks contain 50% less sugar and calories and no artificial sweeteners. Plus, an 8oz glass is packed with antioxidants and delivers your daily dose of vitamin C. I am definitely looking forward to sampling the other flavors.

Old fashioned jams | Doves & Figs Cranberry Chocolate Jam

Local food blogger Robin Cohen is the talented woman behind a delectable line of jams at Doves & Figs Kitchen. Robin makes her own jams, preserves and conserves in small batches from Massachusetts farm grown fruit. Her jams lend a soft and spreadable texture and are offered in array of original flavors. The Cranberry Chocolate is an innovative blend of the tart ripe fruits and subtle hints of sweet Taza chocolate. I spread it on everything from my morning bagels with cream cheese, to my afternoon snack of cheese and crackers. If you have yet to get your hands on some of Robin's jam, you're missing out!

A comforting meal at the bar I love most | Delux Cafe

Recently, Adam and I ventured to the South End for a highly anticipated dinner at The Gallows. It ended up being a night which they were closed for a private party, bummer! (Not sure how I missed this, with their strong social media presence and all.) However, there are no shortage of good restaurants nearby, so we weren't totally out of luck. We decided to cozy up at the all too familiar laminated wood bar backed by twinkling rainbow lights and other (year round) kitschy Christmas decor at Delux. I perused their well appointed one page menu with a dirty martini in hand, settling on the Marinated Bavette Steak ($12.95). Their chef doesn't mess around when it comes to whipping up a small portioned juicy steak. Herb crusted and topped with a slab of melted roasted red pepper butter, with a side of sauteed baby spinach and goat cheese mashed potatoes, this plate of food hit all the right notes of comfort and finesse.

Premium canned tomatoes | Red Pack

Red Pack Tomatoes recently sent me a gift pack of their canned tomato products to sample. I'm no skeptic when it comes to using canned tomatoes in the winter, but its not like I get excited about them either. I absolutely loved this product! For starters, their packaging is bright, eye catching and fun and most importantly, their premium tomatoes are fresh tasting, sweet, juicy and delicious. I am particularly fond of their Petite Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic and Olive Oil for a no fuss bruschetta appetizer! I added some salt, pepper, more olive oil and balsamic to the mix - so easy. My guests loved the app and would have never guessed the tomatoes and blend came from a can. A regular can of Diced Tomatoes lent themselves beautifully to a batch of Chicken Tortilla Soup I made over one December weekend. And when my New Years Eve Mussels Fra Diavolo called for the same ingredient, to the Red Pack I went where it was a can of Petite Diced Tomatoes that worked in the mussels favor. I'm so pleased I got to try the Red Gold Tomato products and am looking forward to using more of the Red Pack cans in future recipes!What foods or drinks are putting a smile on your face?

The Salty Pig

2012-01-13T08:30:00.010-05:00

The Facts

The successful duo behind the South End's Coda and Jamaica Plain hot spot Canary Square launched this charcuterie focused eatery in Back Bay in July of 2011. The space at 130 Dartmouth Street was formerly occupied by Firefly and then the short lived Six Burner which closed in October 2010.

The Space

An angular bar sprawls across a stainless steel open kitchen (where a wood-fired oven glows from its perch) fronted by reclaimed wood communal high tops bathed in warm lighting from oversized dome fixtures. The lofty interiors back wall resembles a classroom chalkboard, scrawled with a mash up of geometrical equations infused with nods to the pig.

The Beer

The Salty Pig features an eclectic selection of American Craft Beers such as a the quadruple Pretty Things Baby Tree ($6) and a refreshingly bitter Blatant IPA ($6).The Baby Tree combines vienna, chocolate and oat malts while the Blatant is a hoppy mash up of citrus and pine. I preferred the Baby Tree as I felt it complimented better the meats, but both represent the wide range beer on tap from Craft (both happen to be Massachusetts based) breweries.

The Charcuterie

Perzonalize your own board from a selection of:

1) House cured salty pig parts ($3-$7). Pictured is the wood oven fired Porchetta, where thinly sliced juicy coils of the pork shoulder is heaven on a charcuterie board. 2) Local + European sourced stinky cheeses ($6-$9) Familiar favorites grace the menu like Great Hill Blue from Marion, MA and Moses Sleeper from Greensboro, VT. Intriguing European selections include Silton (cow, strong, blue) from Colton Basset Dairy in Nottinghamshire, England and Chevrot (goat, mold ripened, mild) from Poitou-Charentes, France3) Local + seasonal accoutrements ($1 each) To round out the palate choose from a selection including marinated olives, chianti jelly, clover honey, balsamic onion jam and more. Pictured are the zesty Basque Peppers.Each board comes with house made pickles, dijon mustard and crostini.

The Pizza

The Salty Pig Pizza ($14) features a daily selection of (what else) but salty pig parts sliced to a pristine thinness layered over parmigano oil, topped with fresh arugula and an inventive pale ale viniagrette. While certain bites delivered on the intensely salty front as advertised, the pizza is far from one note. In the next taste a fascinatingly sweet slice of meat, after that a pronounced spiciness charges the palate. Its not a bad idea to forgo the wooden board all together and have your charcuterie over a thin crust wood-fired pizza. It might seem much less exotic than its predecessor, but the Mushroom Pizza ($12) is still an enticing option with herbs, tomato, mozzarella and a farm egg.

The pizza crust is more soft than it is crispy, but still well baked. These are the kind of pies you can eat four or five pieces easily without feeling stuffed. I admired this quality about them.

The Bottom Line

With a fun concept that is well executed start to finish and attentive friendly service to match, I would definitely recommend indulging in some salty pig parts at this casual Back Bay establishment.

Charing Cross Hotel | London

2012-01-11T08:30:00.014-05:00

I have been meaning for quite sometime to write about the hotels I stayed at while in Spain and then the one in London. My affection for hotels runs deep (I've actually reviewed quite a few on here) and plus, I'll take any excuse to let the travel related posts continue! Expect to see some here and there in the coming months.

Refined and charming, the Charing Cross Hotel sprawls over the eponymous Underground station in the heart of London, located on The Strand adjacent to Covent Garden, steps from Trafalgar Square, Victoria Embankment and the West End.The Victorian style architecture embodies classic elegance and the interior design matches with a polished luxury that also manages to feel cozy and homey. Our stay occurred from December 9-12th so naturally the spirit of the holidays shined through in the decor. Charing Cross was well dressed for the occasion! The front desk staff were extremely polite and the always helpful concierge was a constant source for restaurant recommendations and other general questions. He was very thorough, offering to make us reservations on the fly and taking the time to point out spots on the map and give us directions. The central location makes for an ideal home base as it is within easy strolling distance to most of the major sights and shopping districts.When we did not feel like walking, everywhere we wanted to eat or explore was a short cab ride or Underground trip away.

The skywalk/hallway that we walked over to get to-and-from our room is an eye catching point on the exterior and was done up tastefully on the interior with twinkling strands of white lights fronted by sheer curtains. Every corridor is illuminated with red glass candles, adding to the elegance as well the understated coziness. Up a sweeping marble staircase carpeted in a deep red and gold pattern and down the glowing hallway over the street, a sleek room featuring modern furnishings with gray, maroon and navy accents awaited. Decor points included a leather purple chair with unique floral upholstery and fun iridescent black lamp shades.

It was clean and comfortable, boasting two twin beds with fluffy white linens, and a glistening bathroom stocked accordingly with mini bath gels and creams. Appreciating the simple luxuries, I always feel the need to capture the pristine looking space I'll be calling home for the next few nights. This means snapping loads of photographs upon arrival and/or throughout the stay.We didn't have an in house mini bar (just an empty fridge, stocked to order) but we did have a hot pot and a coffee and tea spread accompanied by packets of gingersnaps. This was most appreciated, as coffee is an essential start to my day! (And the empty mini bar was easily remedied by a trip to the neighboring convenience store.)While we did not experience the food at The Brasserie, we did enjoy a nightcap at the sophisticated Elanor's Cocktail Bar in the form of champagne cocktails. If you're looking for 4-star accommodations in central London, the Charing Cross is a fantastic choice.

Charing Cross - A Guoman Hotel

The Strand,
London WC2N 5HX

Other Indulge Inspire Imbibe Hotel reviews:
Liberty Hotel | Beacon Hill, Boston
All Star Resort | Walt Disney World

Town Square Condos | Waterville Valley, NH
Summit Resort | Laconia, NH

Piccola Venezia

2012-01-09T08:30:00.006-05:00

I warned you 2012 was going to kick off with a slew of North End restaurant posts! I'm finally getting all caught up over here. Thanks for all the great comments and feedback. Sounds like a lot of you are itching to pay a visit to the neighborhood. (Be sure and let me know when you do!)

I have walked by this home style Italian restaurant located at 263 Hanover on a regular basis for the past four years. A few weeks ago, the time finally came to check out Piccola Venezia. On a Thursday night we entered into a large-by-North End-standards dining room which was nearly empty. Considering the waitstaff's laid back and seemingly unenthusiastic approach, this scene did not seem out of the ordinary. No one greeted us when we entered. After standing around for an awkward amount of time, we played the "should we stay or should we go" game; when finally the chef way back in the kitchen made eye contact and beckoned us to sit anywhere we like. I have no problem with seat yourself establishments, but it is something I never want to assume. The atmosphere takes you back in time, within a rustic kitchen meets Nona's attic inspired space we felt comfortable. The vintage looking paper placemats in faded red and white only enhanced the old fashioned vibe. Shortly after choosing our table, a member of the front of the house appeared to greet us with menus. With kitschy Christmas decor in place (the meal occurred back in December) and large kitchen utensils hanging among antique framed photographs set to a weathered exposed brick backdrop, we settled in with a standard bread basket and a round of Peroni($6) on draft.
The food came out in a timely manner, beginning with a surprisingly wonderful bowl of Mussels Marinara ($11.95). I say surprisingly because after the initial realization that only two other tables were in the restaurant and we didn't feel entirely welcome there to begin with, we were a bit skeptical of what to expect from the kitchen. The red sauce was incredibly flavorful with chunky tomatoes, thick slices of onion and a generous dusting of fresh green herbs. It did the steamed mussels proud. Further enhancing the appetizer were four slices of just crispy enough and perfectly buttery toast. On a low note, my Spaghetti Carbonara ($16.95) came swimming in sauce and was rather bland. The classic egg and Parmesan cheese sauce in abundance was super thick, somewhat cloying and lacked finesse. It weighed me down and it weighed the spaghetti down, too. I did enjoyed the thick cubes of pancetta, they were tender and added a welcome saltiness. Some fresh cracked black pepper might have helped its cause. (Their salt and pepper shakers looked like they hadn't been changed since 1992.) Unfortunately, this was not a dish I could truly get excited about. This was further evidenced by the fact that I never felt compelled to eat the leftovers I took home. If you're looking for a good carbonara in the neighborhood, I'm partial to the ones at Artu and Ristorante Daimiano. However, if you're looking for a good Tiramisu ($7.95), look no further. Homemade with espresso soaked ladyfingers, pillowy brandy infused mascarpone cheese, and cocoa, this large portion looked like way to much to take on, but ended up being the perfect amount. The tiramisu itself was supremely light and fluffy; this was exactly they type of dessert I needed after a heavy entree. Traditional, comforting and not too sweet, with a whimsical presentation, what's not to love?
A frothy cup of Cappuccino ($4) completed the meal. With an abundance of restaurants to choose from in the North End, establishments definitely have the power to sway me even after one visit. Piccola Venezia doesn't happen to make the cut of my personal favorites; all things considered. Taking into account the varied level of affection for the dishes I sampled, it was still a good meal at a very reasonable price point that left me satisfied but not necessarily eager to return.

Carmen Trattoria

2012-01-05T08:30:00.025-05:00

I have lived in the North End for a long time now and still I am never without a different restaurant to try. I love discovering new-to-me-spots just as much as I adore revisiting old favorites. Carmen is one I immediately came to regret not visiting sooner. An small trattoria tucked away in the ever quaint cobblestone lined North Square, Carmen serves memorable Italian cuisine in a intensely dark and extremely cozy brick walled space. The cave like interior with a wine bar nestled in the front is perfect for an intimate date night, while the dimly lit close quarters make for less than ideal photo conditions. (Sorry! I never post without photos, but I'm beginning to realize, exceptions can and should be made.) The cuisine is defined as old country Italian, it remains comforting with a sophisticated touch.

Definitely order the Steamed Wellfleet Clams ($16) with hot homemade mustard, fennel and cream to begin the meal. A heaping bowl of plump briny delicacies come bathing in a tantalizing cream where sliced fennel accompanies grainy mustard pearls. This dish is exquisitely pungent on multiple levels, not only do the clams benefit from an innovative preparation, I was eating the creamy, spicy, mustard laced broth by the spoonful. When I state bluntly that you should order these clams, I mean it. This is probably one of the best appetizers I've ate all year. Maybe ever

For my entree I chose the Orichiette ($25) which came with sweet Italian sausage, broccoli rabe, tomatoes and herbed bread crumbs. The orichiette itself was excellent, cooked to a toothsome al dente, while the the broccoli rabe and the sweet Italian sausage were equally delicious. The dish had one major downfall being that the tomato sauce was severely over-salted. It tasted like the result of an unfortunate kitchen mishap, but I can not say for sure as I have only been here once. The red sauce became more abrasive with every bite, to eventually overpower the well executed ingredients. If you've been reading this blog for awhile, then you know that my palate is pretty easy to please, meaning I rarely complain about and I can definitely handle my salt.

Adam ordered the Pan Seared Duck Breast ($29) in a pomegranate reduction with sauteed kale and sweet potato puree. This was fantastic. Next time, I'd skip the red sauce dishes and head straight for the duck. A tender pan seared breast comes executed to the desired medium rare with a crispy skin in a luscious pomegranate reduction, with a smooth and creamy sweet potato puree and plenty of savory sauteed kale. Red sauce is pretty basic, so I would give Carmen the benefit of the doubt on this one and not hold it against them. Especially since I still liked the components of my dish, and I loved everything else we ate. And I was smitten with the romantic interior and we had great service. Our hostess was welcoming and bubbly and our waitress fit the bill, she was professional yet easy going. It was a lovely date night. I'm so bummed for all that salt!

All things considered, they still get my vote. The next time you are faced with the daunting task of where to eat out in the North End, don't hesitate to consider Carmen at 33 North Street. If you've already been, what's your review?

The Daily Catch

2012-01-03T08:30:00.034-05:00

The original Daily Catch in the North End is a no frills, cash only, hole-in-the wall establishment with a frenetic open kitchen, tight dining quarters and a usually lengthy wait as evidenced by patrons forming a line that runs a block down Hanover Street.

The uber casual, somewhat divey approach is all part of its charm - from the weathered tables and chairs, to the single chalkboard menu, the use of paper placemats, and especially the wine served in plastic cups. To start, the Fried Calamari ($9.75/small, $18.50/large) is an absolute must! Arguably some of the best in town, theirs achieves the ideal balance of crispy batter to toothsome tentacles, full of sweet ocean flavors with just a hint of olive oil. A dusting of fresh parsley, two juicy wedges of lemon and zesty marinara sauce for dipping finish off a perfect execution.

The Sicilian style seafood dishes are fresh, authentic and served piping hot in the pan in which they were prepared. Every last drop of red sauce, garlic, olive oil and fresh herbs are all there for the party. May I recommend the Tinta de Calamari -which is Homemade Black Pasta ($10.50/appetizer, $21/ entree). Of the three chalkboard varieties, I have tried two of them. One was on a visit quite a few years ago, (sorry about the picture quality) while the other was just a couple months back. Both are equally deserving of my affections. The thick ribbons of squid ink pasta laced with sinfully good olive anchovy butter coil around sauteed mushrooms, onions and red and green peppers in the Putanesca, while the Aglio Olio incorporates plentiful amounts of briny ground squid and sautees it simply with lots of garlic and olive oil.

A Hanover Street mainstay and often overlooked staple in the Boston seafood scene, the original Daily Catch with an unassuming presence, warm cheerful service, and authentic Italian seafood dishes will hopefully leave you nothing short of impressed.

New Years Eve Feast

2012-01-01T16:15:00.006-05:00

Happy 2012, friends!! I hope you all had a wonderful December 31st. For the first time (since I was about 15) I made plans to stay in. After countless years of dressing up in glitter, spending way too much on a cover charge or a prix fix meal and participating in general holiday debauchery, I decided to change it up. I jumped on the "I'm excited to stay at home on NYE and cook" bandwagon (I turn 28 this year, after all) and had one of the best yet. Adam enticed me with his grand plans of a lobster dinner and from there we put together a menu.

Boiled Lobster - market fresh

(from The North End Mercato del Mare)
1 1/2 lb lobster with melted butter
Mussels Fra Diavolo - mussels steamed in white wine
bathing in a spicy red sauce with fresh parsley and toasted bread
Baby Red Russet Potatoes - olive oil & balsamic roasted
Roasted Asparagus - in olive oil, salt & pepper

On new years eve afternoon we purchased our seafood at Mercato del Mare, our vegetables at Haymarket, stocked up on necessary amounts of beer, wine and prosecco and settled in for a leisurely night of cooking, drinking, eating and watching the ball drop on TV.drinks round 1 | Lindeman's Framboise Lambic Prep drinks round 2 | Lindeman's Pomme LambicCook
drinks round 3 | Sauvignon Blanc Eat drinks round 4 | Adami Prosecco
We had ourselves a serious feast! We don't cook that often to be quite honest, so I was pretty proud of how well this one came together. Somehow we timed everything perfectly and all of it was really really delicious. Not just another day, but a poignant mark in the passage of time, I believe New Years deserves all the celebration we can give, whether that means partying like its 1999 or staying in and cooking the night away. How did you ring in the new year?

Oxo Tower Restaurant

2011-12-30T08:30:00.010-05:00

Situated on London's South Bank rising over the River Thames, the Oxo Tower Restaurant is a luxe dining destination where modern British and Mediterranean cuisine are met with sparkling vistas of the city. The swank 8th floor bar and dining room illuminated in blue and red hues is polished in white linens and ultra modern leather chairs. The contrast of warm lighting blanketing from the shuttered ceilings onto an art deco influenced space is striking, matched by the stunning panorama out the gaping angular floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows. Most notably St. Pauls Cathedral stands out in the distance and the River Thames reflections twinkle in the foreground.
Tricia had dined here back in 2008 and had a feeling another fantastic experience was store if we returned. She didn't steer us wrong! We were greeted warmly by maitre'd as we stepped in off the elevators, she took our coats and umbrellas and showed us a seat at the bar area.
Instantly charmed by the bold elegance and potted poinsettias, I snapped a few photos and shortly after we were shown our table.The cocktails we had just ordered swiftly followed in our footsteps. True to form, the Aperol based sparkling libation caught my eye. Combining my favorite orange bitters with another orange liqueur called Mandarine Napoleon along with crushed peach, passion fruit and a charge of Prosecco the Riveria (£13.50) appeased but at a lofty price point.
Tricia chose the Black Libertine (£9.95) made with crushed fresh blackberry, Drambuie Liquor and lime juice. Forgoing an appetizer since our late lunch (almost an early dinner) of fish and chips kept our appetites at bay, we jumped right into the mains. Apparently, where fish is concerned, I couldn't get enough this trip. (All the photos had a crazy blue tint, I thought the b&w was easier on the eyes in some instances.)

This gorgeous plate of food would be the Cornish Stone Sea Bass, black risotto, baby squid, sea purslane, lemon oil (£27.50). The presentation instantly wowed, striking an aesthetically pleasing balance that was exciting without overwhelming. Every element was perfectly in its place and the dusting of salts and sea purslane across the white canvas were a thoughtful touch.

Taste wise, the dish far exceeded my expectations, beginning but certainly not ending with the expertly seared piece of Cornish sea bass. The generally mild fish benefited from a simple preparation, where delicately crisp and toasty skin gives way to buttery, lemony, melt-in-your mouth flesh. The other components only further enhanced my adoration. Squeaky clean squid tentacles mingled with strips of nicely sauteed haricot verts over a compact and generous portion of jet-black risotto. I typically come across squid ink in pasta form, but I relished its heightened flavors as it absorbed the tender rice. Building from the briny seafood essence, there's an understated richness, a subtle murky deep sea flavor with a complex mouthfeel that fulfills a high honor of complimenting that beautiful fish.

Tricia ordered the Roast and braised wild duck, goats curd and cinnamon dumpling, coriander caramel (£25.50). Benefiting from a flawless preparation and a unique flavor profile, I really enjoyed the couple bites I had. The coriander caramel seemed risky but somehow worked with the roast bird.

Our interactions with the waitstaff at Oxo Tower were interestingly enough, all over the map. Our first server at the bar was highly engaging and genuine, his bright personable nature was followed up by one-note table service; which was mostly courteous and timely. Towards the end, one server became all too fussy and his presence felt slightly imposing. (Hovering, awkward conversations, unsolicited advice.) And was that just a poor attempt at an upsell or is he genuinely concerned that we only ordered one small dessert to share? (Giving him the benefit of the doubt...) Once we were presented the tiny dessert of Hazelnut parfait, poached pears, lemon verbena (£8) his gesture made a little more sense. Despite the fact that I thought it could have been double the size, it was absolutely lovely. The parfait was ultra creamy, complimented by a crumbly lemon verbena cookie, soft delicately poached pears, a crunchy caramel nougat and plated alongside cute little meringue teardrops. Above all, the menu showcases a wide variety of beautifully prepared dishes, executed precisely and in harmony with exciting ingredients. Detractors claim you pay for the view, can you blame them? Even if you likely are (hello $20 cocktail) the food rises to the occasion. If you're looking to splurge or celebrate a special evening in London, allow Oxo Tower Restaurant to entice you.

Classic London

2011-12-29T08:30:00.040-05:00

The well known and quintessential sights of the city likely need no explanation. From Big Ben and Parliament to Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge; we came, we saw, we photographed! We also has a blast drinking Pimm's Cup and mulled wine and eating fish-n-chips and mushy peas. Enjoy!

{Big Ben}

{Buckingham Palace}

{Victoria Memorial}

{Hotel Room Drinks}Kronenbourg 1664, Boddingtons and Pimm's No.1 to-go!

{Cab Rides}

Taking taxis through the busy winding streets was admittedly a highlight. Sometimes it's the little things and hello, they drive on the right!

{Fish n Chips & Hot Mulled Wine}

Cliche as it may be, I was still excited to devour this classic British meal while we were in town. The White Hart a cozy pub in Liverpool Square satisfied the craving. I have a feeling you could wander into almost any pub in the city and they would do the same. The fillet of hake was ale battered and deep fried to crispy, flaky perfection and served with a side of mushy peas that were a lot more appetizing than the name seems to imply. A cup of tartare sauce was also on hand for dipping. Warm and soothing with sugar and spice infusions of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg, my first mug of mulled wine did not disappoint.
The royal sights and regal buildings are matched with an energetic spirit and unique embrace. On the whole, classic elegance is balanced with staple comforts. It's a European city distinctly different than any I've ever traveled and it absolutely holds a special place!

Supper @ St. John Hotel

2011-12-27T08:30:00.020-05:00

When I was Christmas shopping the weekend before I jetted off to London, I came across a tiny paperback book in Anthropologie of all places titled The Traditional Shops and Restaurants of London: A Guide to Century Old Establishments and New Classics. Its charming vintage cover and beautifully composed photographs drew me in, so I forked over the $18.95. As I paged through it on my flight, it turns out the book is 80% shops and 20% restaurants, bars and cafes. It is well written and informative, author Eugina Bell waxes poetic about purveyors of specialty goods - from booksellers and coffee roasters, umbrella makers and hatters, to tobaccoists, butchers, tea merchants and more. Of the few restaurants, one named St. John located in the meatpacking district stood out in my mind for its nose-to-tail concept and this excerpt: A favorite -- marrow and parsley salad -- is always on the menu, a dish that Anthony Bourdain calls, rather bluntly, his "death row meal." Well then! When Tricia and I were soliciting advice the previous day from our helpful concierge, he offered to make us a reservation for Saturday night. As it turned out, they were completely booked. However, they also have a location at the St. John Hotel which had opened this past spring in Leicester Square. This worked to our advantage, as Leicester Square was within walking distance of our hotel, easily much closer than the original location. We arrived around 7:50 for our 8pm reservation to a perplexed duo of hosts. They had our reservation, but seemed genuinely taken aback by how "early" we were (did they just laugh at us?!) It was odd. Tricia and I exchanged glances, and at once their faces softened and they offered us seats at the bar upstairs. Fine by us! We settled into plush rust-colored leather couches among starch white walls and glossy blue floors and ordered some cocktails. (Exterior and above photo were borrowed from the website, linked above.) At the bar I ordered an expertly crafted Sazerac (£11) , it warmed the lingering chill right out of me. Tricia got a French Pearl (£9) which was served in a fun dainty glass. Soon enough, our table was ready and we were ushered down the narrow winding stairwell, still with that striking laminated blue floor underfoot. It added to the nautical cruise ship theme, subtly stated by porthole windows on every door. The small dining room did not have much of a theme at all. Lacking decor, it was simple and understated with rustic wood floors and chairs to match, in contrast with a gleaming stainless steel open kitchen. The bright space with tables set in uniform close proximity grew increasingly more crowded and noisy as the night wore on. St. John felt trendy because it didn't try too hard, and the full house only affirmed its popularity. We were greeted by a jovial waiter, waters were filled promptly and a basket of addicting sourdough bread with a pat of creamy butter was delivered. Then we got to studying the menu, which by the way, did not have the infamous Anthony Bourdain death row marrow and parsley salad. (Perhaps it only stands on the menu at the original location?) What the menu did have was Devilled Pig Skin (£3.50), and our curiosity combined with a compelling description by our waitress (in London, it is not uncommon to have two servers - we noticed this consistently at every restaurant) prompted our order. This was...interesting. Certain pieces were extremely salty and abrasively crispy, tasting like a bacon infused chip, while others were ridiculously tough and chewy. I would assume the chef intended for these to be the former, as the latter were highly unappetizing. That's not to say I was totally enamored with the crispy crunchy skins either. While they might sound like a bacon lovers dream, their saltiness was overwhelming. I tried quite a few pieces, debating over them each time. In the end, we both decided they were not all that pleasing to our palates. At least our curiosity was appeased and we patted ourselves on the back for being adventurous.
Next up, we shared a starter of Razor Clams, White Beans & Artichoke (£9.20). Each component was well executed, the dish as a whole came together with appeasing textures and bright flavors.The razor clams were prepared a la plancha, slightly browned and delectably chewy, the artichoke soft and tender and the white beans in abundance nicely rounded out the dish. Everything bathed in a warm pool of lemony olive oil infused with fresh green herbs, notably dill and parsley. We finished our cocktails and ordered a glass of each of the St John Rouge (£5). I learned after perusing the website that the company (empire?) does in fact make their own wine. We were given a decent pour, and while I can't remember the main points, I know I really enjoyed it. Juicy and full bodied, it paired well with the food. Two mains (in England they are not called entrees) really spoke to both of us, so we decided to share. Tricia started with the Brill, Salt Lemon & Hazelnut (£18.60). We had to question our waiter prior to ordering as to what brill actually was. I had a hunch it was a fish, but had never tasted it before. It is indeed a type of fish, specifically a flatfish native to waters of the North Atlantic through the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas. And as you might gather, it is commonly found in Great Britain. The flaky white fish benefited from a simple preparation in butter, herbs, salt and lemon. And we both agreed, the toasted hazelnuts, and I think there were some golden raisins as well piled on there, were a thoughtful and delicious addition to the plate. The major detriment lied in the fact that the brill was cooked on the bone. While this might have lent additional flavors, it proved to be a major hassle for us. No one wants to be picking bones out of their fish during a nice meal, never mind out of your mouth mid chew. And there were a lot of tiny bones within that hearty piece. The Pot Roast Short Rib, Celeriac & Pickled Walnut (£22.50) was the favored main by default. Guinness braised and fall of the bone tender, it was supremely hearty set in a bowl of smooth whipped celeraic which mingled with its delicious braising juices and thick melted butter to create something special. The pickled walnut was incredibly innovative, I have never had anything quite like them. With a pronounced acidity they added depth and contrast to the richness of the short rib. However, only three of them topped the substantial serving, and I wished there were more.Dessert was just plain awesome. Apple Sorbet and....wait for it....Russian Vodka (£7). Pour the shot over the sorbet and you get a potent and refreshing digestif and dessert in one. We were big fans.Our meal came to (£102.15) with the service charge of (£11.35) included. Converted to dollars, that is $80 each, which is no walk in the park. London is definitely an expensive city all around, on top of that the dollar to pound conversion is the absolute worst. Put it this way, that Sazerac alone cost me $17! Overall, we enjoyed our supper of modern British cuisine at St John Hotel, even though elements of certain dishes left a little something to be desired. It is evident the chefs possess sound kitchen techniques and a clear passion for nose to tail cooking. The portions are substantial and the food itself is rich and hearty. Come hungry.

Holiday Wishes

2011-12-23T08:30:00.082-05:00

To my friends and blog readers near and far, wishing you and yours a peaceful and happy holiday.Lately I've been nestled on the couch in front of our tree with my laptop and a hot cup of English tea, or a large bowl of homemade chicken tortilla soup.

I have been battling that awful virus, I know you know the one - where your throat feels swollen to the point of making it hard to breath, a hacking cough that just won't.go.away and becoming ridiculously exhausted after the slightest task.

I'm finally getting better though and looking forward to a relaxing Christmas split between my family on Cape Cod and Adam's family in Quincy.In the coming weeks you can expect to see more London posts, and I'm even getting back to my roots with some North End restaurant reviews slated to kick off 2012. There's lots to look forward to! Many thanks for another year of reading III; I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a happy holiday celebration!

The London Eye

2011-12-21T08:30:00.016-05:00

Upon my return from London, friends, family and co-workers, as you can imagine, were eager to hear about my trip. One of my favorite attractions, the one I instinctively tell everyone about first, is the London Eye. It left me awestruck by its presence and offered a one-of-a-kind experience. So far, I have not told one person about the Eye that actually knew what it was!! I'm not totally baffled by this, I'm just sayin', not many people have heard of it. I learned of it when I was first in London with Adam in on a nine hour layover traveling home from Greece in 2007: Our visit was brief, but amazing. Can you tell I am four years younger in these shots? ;)

Anyways, I saw this eye catching (no pun intended) "giant Ferris wheel" only from a distance in 2007, but my interest was peaked. When we headed back to Heathrow Airport that day in October I distinctly remember telling Adam how I wanted to return to London to ride the eye. Lofty wanderlust ambitions turned real life experience, I checked one off the bucket list on a brisk blue skied December 10th. £18.60 and a 30 minute queue later; it was worth every pound I paid and every minute I waited. (Outside, in the freezing cold, with people behind Tricia and I that smashed into us every.single.time the line stopped.) Situated on the bank of the River Thames, an architectural wonder with a commanding presence, the Eye towers 135 meters high over the London skyline, marking it the highest cantilevered observation wheel in the world. (Please note, distinct facts are borrowed from the EDF Energy Official London Eye Website.) A remarkable engineering feat with a striking design, it took seven years to complete and was unveiled to the public officially in March of 2000. The visually fascinating spoke and rotation cables resemble a giant bicycle wheel. I snapped the below shot when we had just boarded and were set for takeoff!
There are 32 capsules to represent each of the 32 boroughs of London. They are heated (or air conditioned if you visit in the summer) and comfortably fit about ten to fifteen passengers. There is a bench in the middle and plenty of room to walk around and take in the 360 degree views. The vast stretching panorama on a clear day reaches as far as 40km.I had fun capturing the city (and the capsules) in black and white and sepia tones, too.I was also sure to check out the view directly below us. Hello tiny people. Hello vertigo. The sights were simply gorgeous. You get an especially nice view of Parliament and Big Ben. And since it starts to get dark at around 3:30 (crazy!) we saw the beginnings of a beautiful sunset.It looks like the people in front of us decided to throw a party! (If you look closely - note the champagne glasses in hand.)There was so much to take in. Luckily, the eye moves at a slow speed of .6 miles per hour, which means a full ride (equal to one rotation) gives you a solid 30 minutes. It moves slow enough that it does not need to stop to let passengers on and off. One of the top tourist attractions in the city, 3.5 million visit the Eye each year.Where innovation in technology meets magnificent views, if you are traveling to London, if even for a short time, I definitely recommend taking advantage of this experience.

Lunching in Covent Garden | Masala Zone

2011-12-19T08:30:00.010-05:00

Since my trip to London was rather spontaneous, and this is one of the busiest times of the year for me at work, I was not able to dedicate much time to researching the city's culinary scene. (Fish and Chips, anyone?!) Tweets seeking dining advice did not generate much of a response, and googling London food blogs managed to overwhelm me with information. I expressed my complete lack of knowledge on the subject one evening to a friend and he passed along a welcome tip - definitely get Indian food while you're there. Apparently this is a known to-do while in London and in mentioning this to Tricia, she concurred that yes, she had actually heard this as well. And so it was decided, we were going for Indian! But where? Our concierge recommended Masala Zone, with a convenient location close to our hotel. We were staying in the busy and stylish Covent Garden district, and on Saturday morning we set out to explore our surroundings. Venturing into the heart of the neighborhood, we found ourselves instantly enamored with the vibrant streets, lined with everything from designer boutiques and historic theaters to old fashioned pubs and classy brasseries.
The high energy area outside well known Covent Garden Market is home to street performers, The Royal Opera House and the Underground station stop with its eye catching glossy red tile facade and large arched windows. Our lunch destination actually boasts eight locations in various districts throughout the city. The Covent Garden Masala Zone is located steps from the hustle and bustle of James Street at 48 Floral Street. We arrived just after they opened at 12 noon and were greeted immediately by a sweet natured hostess who lead us through the sprawling modern dining room and sat us at a window-side table. To drink I ordered a Kingfisher Lager (£3.80) (India's #1 beer!) The pale amber colored lager was light, crisp and refreshing. It definitely served to pair well with my spicy Indian food. Tricia settled on a Diet Coke (£2.35) . (Everywhere else we have been Europe they call it "Coke Lite", so we were surprised that in England, it is still a good old Diet Coke.)In between sipping our drinks and perusing the menu, we took in the lively decor, where hundreds of colorful puppets are suspended from the ceiling among stuffed elephants and glowing star shaped lanterns. The expansive interior consisted of large floor to ceiling windows on two sides set to a backdrop of exposed brick walls painted a pale peachy pink. A small open kitchen the center of the room displays large luminous photographs of the cuisine on the wall above it. Everything on the ground level was pristine and minimal, which nicely balanced out the intricate and exotic decor parading overhead. Our waiters were extremely helpful in explaining the menu specials and offering recommendations. We both appreciated how patient they were with us as we asked questions and took our time deciding. I know that I like Indian food, but the extent to which I've dined out at real Indian restaurants is slim. Adam and I went to Rani in Brookline once, which was fantastic; otherwise, chicken tikki masala, yellow lentils and naan bread at the Faneuil hall take out counter is my go to Indian cuisine. Needless to say, I was super excited for this meal! I finally settled on the two course lunch special (£8.95). I chose a warm vegetable dish called Chana Dabalroti for my starter. A tangy chickpea curry containing lotus root with hunks of toasted bread - oh my goodness, was this incredible!! If I could eat this famous Sinhdi dish everyday for lunch, I absolutely would. Originally when the plate was delivered I wondered to myself - where are the hunks of toasted bread, as described on the menu?I dug in and discovered the bread is hidden within the dish. (Told you I know very little about this cuisine...) The bread absorbed the curry in a way that it became soft and luscious, but was far from mushy. The chickpea curry was amazing, not to mention extremely comforting, with intense flavors and spices that built with every bite. Topped with precisely diced onions, tomatoes and cucumber, the fresh vegetables added a cool contrasting element to ever so subtly balance the warm spicy flavors. Tricia went all out with the Grand Thali (£9.50), forgoing a starter but getting a main dish of her choosing with accoutrements to include a tangy yogurt sauce, yellow lentils, mango chutney, spice rubbed cauliflower, crispy naan bread and more! For my main course I ordered the Chicken Mangalore, with a zesty coconut and tomato flavor base. Once again, I was highly impressed. It had two chilies on the menus spicy scale, and it definitely brought the heat which was nicely tempered by fluffy jasmine rice. Served in a compact mound, it was easy to spoon the rice into the dish to mingle with the chicken and absorb the luscious sauce. The chicken itself was plentiful and delicious, tender chunks were easily cut with a fork.
Masala Zone exceeded my expectations on all accounts. When I initially heard the concierge state the name, I'll admit, I thought it sounded a bit cheesy. But he was so convincing, so matter of fact about it. I'm glad I kept an open mind because his recommendation was spot on. With a casual vibe and service that is both friendly and knowledgeable, we felt extremely welcome, relaxed and content. Offering well priced, delicious cuisine in a contemporary setting with traditional touches, Masala Zone is a superb choice for Indian food in London.

And with that, we were off to ride the London Eye....

Welcome to London

2011-12-16T20:15:00.011-05:00

England and the United Kingdom's capital city, home to roughly 8 million, is a an icon of culture and style, blessed with staggeringly beautiful sights ranging in design from one era to the next.From ethnicity to architecture, it's a dynamic melting pot with eclectic districts and charming streets, and boasts one of the most incredible skylines I've ever seen. I was fortunate to spend the weekend of December 9th roaming among those crowded streets and beneath that stunning skyline, on a trip that was planned on a whim by one of my best girlfriends (who would also be town for business.) What's business without a little pleasure!? Spontaneity presiding, I embarked on my first solo trans Atlantic flight that Thursday evening after work, arriving to London Heathrow bright and early Friday morning. Navigating the worlds busiest airport, which had intimidated the heck out of me on previous layovers, felt like a breeze this time around. I rode the Heathrow Express, a swift 15 minute train ride to Paddington Station and from there navigated the London Underground (the second most extensive subway network in the world, after Shanghai Metro) to our centrally located hotel. Tricia wasn't arriving until a few hours later as she was flying all the way from California (one business trip to the next) so I ventured out on my own until then! Not wanting to stray too far from our hotel, I meandered along the Victoria Embankment bordering the River Thames as the morning sun rose above the London Eye and the Golden Jubilee Bridges in the distance. I came upon the Ancient Egyptian Obelisk, which looks pretty similar to the one in Paris, constructed of granite and inscribed with Egyptian Hieroglyphics. Also known as Cleopatra's Needle, (although it has nothing to do with the Egyptian Queen) it is flanked by two commanding iron cast sphinx statues. I had some fun photographing these guys as well! Check out those claws (and never mind that rotten banana someone left behind. Ew.) American Airlines fed me two substantial meals, but after my walk combined with minor jet lag setting in and some seriously chilly temps, I was ready to warm up, and simultaneously in the mood for a light breakfast.I decided on a tiny unassuming cafe, where the man behind the counter greeted me with a warm smile and thick British accent (gotta love it!) and instructed me to sit anywhere I like. Since Cafe Whitehall is proudly labeled as a Sandwich and Cappuccino Bar, that's exactly what I decided to get.A steaming hot cup with plenty of cocoa laced froth, paired with a fried egg and tomato sandwich on whole grain bread hit the spot.I loved how the sandwich was cut into quarters - it felt quintessentially British. Simple and delicious, the egg was perfectly fried and the juicy tomato nicely complimented. Whitehall Cafe looks to offer and array of savory breakfast dishes and has a pastry counter full of sweet treats. I felt content to linger, but you are also welcome to order your pastries and cappuccino to go. After browsing a few local shops, I spent some time taking in the sights at nearby Trafalgar Square, one of London's most well known and prominent central gathering spaces; named for the Battle of Trafalgar, a British Naval victory over France. Situated in front of the National Gallery and surrounded by busy roadways on three sides, the main point of attraction in Trafalgar is easily the bronze lion statues presiding around Lord Horatio Nelson's Column. Four grand beasts lie outstretched in each corner, overlooking a slew of tourists who jump, climb and crawl over and around them - to pose for photographs, of course! Queue lion inspired photo shoot....You have to admit, these guys are pretty cool. Also in the square, I took in the dueling multi-tiered fountains which are surrounded by large pools of clean blue water. Contained within them are smaller sculpted fountains of intertwined mermaid, mermen, dolphins and fish. These well kept pools with unique fountains on display add a calming aesthetic to the always crowded and bustling space. At night, changing color LED lights illuminate the fountains proving the scene here after the sun goes down is equally as striking. Of course, at this point I have returned many hours later after checking into the hotel and meeting up with my travel companion! Soaking it all in, we listened to some carolers before venturing on foot towards Piccadilly Circus. We made our way into a traditional pub for a bite to eat and of course, a cheers to the weekend ahead with out first official British pint!At Silver Cross we drank Kronenbourg 1664 and shared a comforting dish of Hunters Chicken accompanied by a side salad and "chips" which I doused in malt vinegar. When in England!The dish incorporates juicy chicken breasts with mushrooms, onions and tomatoes, then layers bacon and mozzarella cheese over the top while everything gets smothered in a zesty homemade BBQ sauce. This was better than I expected; I guess I didn't have high expectations for traditional pub food? It came piping hot and was definitely a flavorful and satisfying dinner. The rest of the evening was spent strolling the luxe streets illuminated by intricate light displays more bright and beautiful than any I've ever seen. Tricia and I were awestruck at every turn, it's safe to say that for the holiday season, London goes all out.

We're talking canopys as far as the eye can see of twinkling stars above Regent Street, boughs of glowing holly parading over Carnaby Street and buildings draped in full on sparkling rainbow ensembles on Oxford Street. Among shimmering umbrellas and presents, glittering bows and stars, and cascading curtains, we strolled, we shopped and eventually we settled into to another pub for the night before retiring to the hotels brasserie for a nightcap. Then, we slept it all off in preparation for day two! Can you tell I love this city lots? Have you ever been to London? Do you love it as much as I do? Favorite parts?!

Monte Urgull | San Sebastian

2011-12-14T08:30:00.018-05:00

Oh Hi, dear readers! I'm back yet again with more pictures of San Sebastian, Spain - because if the last sets of images hadn't already convinced you to book a trip, these will!

P.S. I just got back from a weekend in London!! That's London, UK, as in, I flew five hours across the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday night and seven hours back on Monday morning, all before I even had a chance to tell you I was going. (Which means - let the European travel blogging continue; I have lots of fun details to share!) But for now, back to our regularly intertwined / never ending Spain posts.

On a most relaxing afternoon stroll along the splendid San Sebbie shores, the sun finally decided to grace us with her long awaited presence. Still making up her mind about weather to shine for longer than 15 minutes at a time, at least the rain was done!

As we were wandering the harbor and the winding roads in the outskirts of the Old Quarter surrounding it, we decided to trek to the top of Mount Urgull. It was past prime sunbathing hours and so on a spontaneous decision, the swift yet steep climb began. It was not without breathtaking views of the cresent shaped shores of La Concha Bay, surrounded by the colorful harbor situated in the foreground and the posh seaside city scapes before vast mountains of Basque Country sweeping through the cloudy blue skies in the background. What I'm saying is, a climb to the top of Monte Urgull is rather quick, far from strenuous, and worth the views three times over.At the top, Mount Urgull boasts a large statue of Jesus. Even from the base, he can bee seen poking out of the trees and looking down over the foothills. Among the flat topped peak you will also find the seemingly abandoned yet fairly well kept ruins of Castillo De Santa Cruz de la Mota, a historical battle fortress. The small castle with dark narrow passageways and weathered stairwells invites you to explore within its chizzled stone walls.
I should also note, these explorations are free of charge - no entrance fee or ticketing. This was definitely a nice change of pace from what we were used to in Madrid and Barcelona! We saw others on our journey, but at times, it felt like we had the place all to ourselves. This made for a serene and peaceful afternoon. The exciting hike and historical castle combined with the rewarding panoramic views definitely marked Monte Urgull a city highlight, I would happily encourage and highly recommend this activity to travelers of San Sebastian. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the top, or, work up an appetite and venture into one of the many pintxos bars nearby once you have completed the descent.I am so so tired. The London jet lag isn't severe compared to Spain, but it's present none the less. It is 9:20 as I finish this post, and I am ready for bed!! (I usually go to bed at 11:30 or 12.) What is new with you guys? How was everyone's weekend?

Lunch at Russell House Tavern

2011-12-08T11:00:00.019-05:00

Believe it or not, I haven't been blogging as much! It might still seems as though I am, but I've been posting 2 to 3 times a week lately as opposed to a whopping 4 to 5. I've skipped out on a lot of potential restaurant reviews; at home I haven't felt much like writing (more like decorating our tree and wrapping Christmas presents!) and when I'm out I haven't always been lugging my camera with me. Oh well. That's what the iPhone camera (and Instagram app) comes in handy for. Anyways, today I'm back with a fun restaurant post!

A solid option for lunching in Cambridge is at Russell House Tavern, this Harvard Square gastropub operated by The Grafton Group (Temple Bar, Grafton Street, Redline) opened a over a year ago with much fanfare, and I still had yet to make my way in. Along with my Mom and sister, we were famished and in serious need of some quality grub to appease our holiday shopping induced appetites. My sister had previously been in for dinner and drinks, and was happy to return to check out the lunch menu. I was excited to finally pay them a visit in general.

We wandered in, shopping bags in tow, down a wide alley/brick patio space off of bustling JFK Street. Crossed electrical wires with exposed light bulbs dangling overhead added a touch of ambiance before we even set foot inside. A hostess greeted us right away at the upstairs entrance (where a smaller bar area resides) and we made our way down a wide black staircase done up in evergreen boughs and white lights to the sprawling, polished basement space. Here, another hostess warmly welcomed and ushered us to a table just as quickly, offering to take our coats along the way. Our amicable waiter met us with waters once we settled in, and impressed us with his knowledge of the menu and swift service for the duration.

I started with a Bloody Mary, this classic brunch standby over a formidable sounding craft cocktail was chosen more out of necessity! (Holiday Stroll + Delux + Beehive = hungover.) Our waiter mentioned that the bartender used to run the cocktail program at Drink - so I didn't doubt his prowess in the mixology department. I decided to forgo the classic BM for the Maria Basilico ($10) (the MB!) made with Basil Infused Sobieski Vodka, Meletti Amaro, RHT Bloody Mix and a cucumber garnish. If you were looking for the typically bold and spicy, this one is not for you. The Meletti Amaro, which is a dry tawny liqueur combining anise and saffron added sweet and herbaceous notes which tempered the typically spicy mix. I appreciated this variation on a classic, it's definitely fun when bartenders try new things and take some risks. We started by slurping two oysters each from the raw bar, it was East coast all the way with local briny Island Creeks ($2.50) for my Mom and sister, while I opted for one of those and one of the West coast varietal, a plump, ultra clean flavored Kushi ($2.50). The oysters came with a duo of equally appeasing sweet pickle mignonette and Old Bay cocktail sauce.

My sister and I both chose from the array of sandwiches, accompanying them are your choice of fries, greens, or half portions of each. Pleasantly surprised by this option, once we got our plates we noted the halved french fry and salad portions could have easily been a full serving! The greens were fresh and lightly dressed, the brown crispy fries nicely seasoned and served with ketchup and a really tasty garlic infused mayo.
Leah enjoyed her Grilled Chicken Sandwich ($11) with melted talleggio, pickled red onions, local tomatoes and arugula while I chose the Hickory Smoked Pork Loin Sandwich ($11) with melted sharp cheddar, crispy onions, sweet apples and a ginger maple aioli. This sandwich was flawless in every way, exploding with comforting flavors and piled high with well executed ingredients, which still managed to stay nicely contained by the soft bread. The thinly sliced pork, tender and juicy took to the crispy onions like bread to butter while the red apples added contrast, imparting the perfect touch of sweetness. The ginger maple aioli was inventive and delicious, and the melted sharp cheddar played its part to seal the deal.

The Dirty Caesar ($8) with Chicken ($5) ordered by my Mom proved a well rounded salad. Spicy anchovy croutons were a major highlight laced within a nicely dressed bed of crisp lettuce and grilled chicken strips.

Executive Chef Michael Scelfo's locally sourced and seasonally focused American fare is crowd pleasingly classic with a contemporary edge. The reputation that precedes this trendy tavern is well justified, with a warm welcoming staff and a clean, comfortable space; for lunch this afternoon I was nothing short of impressed.

The Most Wonderful Time of The Year

2011-12-05T09:00:00.004-05:00

The holidays are in full swing, and I couldn't be happier to embrace them! Here are some of my favorite views around the city combined with a little about what I've been up to these days.... A most excellent Thanksgiving was spent at Adam's parents house in Quincy; we feasted in courses, most notably on peanut soup (his Mom's special recipe, so good) and a 34 pound bird (among the usual fixings of green beans, parsnips, potatoes, squash, cranberry sauce and more), watched football in between, and my contribution of pumpkin whoopie pies for dessert were a hit. It was super laid back, perfectly relaxing, and went undocumented much like lots of my meals have been lately. I have been pretty lazy when it comes to bringing the Canon Rebel out and about, so please forgive a slew of instagram and iphone photos today and in the forthcoming posts. Here in Boston we've been enjoying the extremely mild temperatures as December rolls in, taking in the picturesque, bright light filled city spaces as they grace us with their presence. Although I do miss me some snow, I am never one to complain about the weather be it unseasonably warm or ridiculously cold. Snow makes me happier inside than I can explain, but then again, so do low heat bills! The Christmas tree in Faneuil Hall (above) is always a welcome sight, as is the vivid blue trellis in Christopher Columbus Park. I'm sure it looks familiar, I take a picture of this trellis every season! This year we attended the official lighting ceremony, where Mrs. Menino's introduction was met with neighborhood children caroling and complimentary Peppermint Mochas and cookies from Starbucks. In other news - our tree is up, (better pictures coming soon!) a good majority of my shopping is done, and I even started wrapping presents last night. I've never been so on top of my Christmas shopping, but I'm definitely liking checking people off the list so early.Adam and I got some great deals on Black Friday, and I've been on a roll ever since. On Black Friday evening we also ventured out to see The Muppets, starting Jason Segel and Amy Adams. If that's not the feel good movie of the year, I don't know what is. (I highly recommend! So. much. fun.) So is walking through Downtown and the Theater District at night. My Mom came into town this weekend for our annual city shopping spree. Along with my sister and Adam, we partook in the 5th Annual North End Buon Natalie Stroll on Friday night (Santa at the Fairmont Battery is always a hoot.) Then us girls got our fill of Harvard Square and Downtown Crossing shops on Saturday. A most excellent lunch was had a Russel House Tavern, I can't wait to share my review!Other than that, it's been holiday business as usual. Drinks at Cafe Florentine (this North End restaurant and bar has the best ambiance around the holidays!) Eggnog in my coffee,And pastries and cannolis from Modern. Always Modern.

How have you guys been embracing the holidays so far?!

Pintxos Crawl | San Sebastian

2011-12-02T08:30:00.011-05:00

"A pintxo should be eye-catching, original,

and petite enough to eat in two bites"

~Patxi Bergara

In a city known for its Michelin Stared restaurants, we favored the more affordable, but no less appreciated haute cuisine of the region - Pintxos. The highly regarded Basque style tapas reign as a collection of mini masterpieces lining bar counter tops in most notably the city's historic district. The atmospheric Parte Vieja (Old Town) encompasses tiny charming streets limited to those on foot, where the most common activity is gallivanting from one pintxos bar to the next.
Among lively crowded spaces, the amicable bartenders nod to locals and welcome out of towers. The tab is on the honor system. A spirited pintxos crawl kicks off an evening that turns into a party in the street, which might lead to playing slots at the small unassuming casino, making friends over darts and beers, and hitting up a seemingly hidden discotheque till the wee hours. It's an enticing scene as a whole, the pintxos alone are reason enough to embark on a bar crawl even if you decide to call it an early night. (You likely won't want to.)One of my favorite traditional pintxos is a briny melt in your mouth oil and vinegar marinated anchovy woven with a spicy pimento pepper, speared on a toothpick with a juicy green olive, topped with a colorful confetti of finely diced onions and peppers, and bathing in a vat of golden olive oil. Pintxos are a highly adored cuisine for their impeccable attention to detail, both in taste and presentation. A tuna stuffed roasted red pepper cone here, a thin slice each of jamon, pimento and a hard boiled egg stacked gracefully on on a toasted baguette there, followed up by a cube of cod fish sandwiched by pickle halves dusted with peppers and onions, and you've got yourself a meal. Wash it all down with a glass of Txtakoli, the fizzy white wine of the region notorious for its dramatic pour. Sparkling wine streams out of an emerald green bottle from nearly a foot above the glass, it is poured this way to aerate the wine for ultimate enjoyment. Move onto the next bar and prepare to do it all over again, and again, until your feeling sufficiently full and buzzed. Pictured at a local "sports" bar where the tables weren't crowded because everyone was playing pool or darts. Soon after we joined in the fun! Our crawl one night started first with a glass of Cava and then Estrellas on draft at A Fuegro Negro - a stark contemporary black and red space amongst a slew of traditional wooden clad tavernas. Here we consumed your average bar snacks of bocadillos and tortillas, but longed for some of the modern pinxtos detailed on the chalkboard menu. Unfortunately we wandered in before the kitchen was open for dinner. We quickly learned that even the "average" bar snack around here are pretty sensational.
We popped into Casa Vergara for chorizo sausage and crouquetas and were warmly embraced by Bar Gambara where the pulpo de gallega - octopus dusted in rock salt, paprika and olive oil delighted. After that point, I officially lost track of bar names.That's the great thing about a Pintxos crawl, wander into any one that appeals to you and you're pretty much guaranteed a reasonably priced excellent bite of food. Same goes for the glass of wine.At least, that was our experience. There are definitely beloved spots and many we had read about and researched, but in the end, wandering into the unknown, maybe even unnamed spot proved to be just as rewarding as seeking out the recommended. Inside a traditional pintxos bar on Calle 31 de Agosta we feasted some more and drank a glass or two of Rioja, the ever reliable red wine choice. You also might want to wander into the Basilica of Santa Maria at some point, or at the very least, you'll notice it along your crawls. It stands as an impressive 18th Century Baroque church at 46 Calle 31 de Agosto. Just when I thought I had experienced Spanish nightlife to the fullest in Madrid, and ate some of the best cuisine of life to date in Barcelona, I traveled to San Sebastian where the two merged in extraordinary fashion. The dreamer in me imagined what it would be like to take up permanent residence (the beaches playing a huge part), while my younger self wished I studied abroad here (stemmed after we hung out with kids from England spending a semester in town, naturally) while my still not rational self is planning a trip back when I win the lottery so I can afford to eat at restaurants like Akelare and Arzak. Otherwise, I remain beyond content with the city as I experienced it; my affections for San Sebastian run deep.

The Rocks of San Sebastian

2011-11-30T08:30:00.011-05:00

Travel photography begs us to capture the obvious defining factors of the location, but other times inspiration blossoms in the lesser appreciated landmarks as well. In San Sebastian, the former is most notably the trio of Eduardo Chillida Sculptures while the latter (for me) was the rocks.
Rocks. Really? Well, in Madrid it was the intense graffiti covered facades, in Barcelona the Gaudi architecture - specifically the roof tops, and in San Sebastian, while I took lots of photos overall, the rocks in La Concha Bay and River Urumea stood out in abundance.
The aforementioned sculptures notorious with San Sebastian are called El Peine del Vinto or The Wind Comb.
These contemporary works of art are proudly displayed amidst a rough sea, their natural weathered character blends seamlessly while their dramatic shape is in stark contrast to the landscape. If you ever visit this city, you'll likely want to make the short walk to the end of Paseo de la Concha to check these out! The view and sites along the way are pretty cool, as are the rest of the rocks that surround the coastal shores and stone pathways. A side note to my readers who are not bloggers or who don't use the Google Blogger platform - (otherwise I'm probably stating the obvious) - Did you know you can click on any photograph for a slideshow? Since I tend to incorporate massive amount of photos in one post, if you wanted to be able to scroll in a more orderly fashion, or see the pictures in a larger format, just click on one. :)There's a lot more to love about San Sebastian than its beaches and rugged coastline, particularly the beloved Pintxos, the enticing tapas cuisine of the Basque region. A mouthwatering food post is in the works....

The Shores of San Sebastian

2011-11-28T08:30:00.023-05:00

After a brief respite from Spain travel posts, I'd like to introduce you to the third and final destination city on our trip taken this past September. Welcome to San Sebastian! I decided to begin with a dedication to the golden sandy beaches and turquoise blue waters in all their glory. San Sebastian is quite literally type of place that makes you believe in dreams. I would return in a heartbeat if it didn't mean sacrificing time, money, or a desire to see the rest of the world. Upon arriving from a most breathtaking journey through the fog capped Pyrenees to a tiny three platform train station and and hailing a Mercedes taxi cab, I knew San Sebastian was going to be a different experience entirely.Also known as Donostia, this stylish coastal city nestled in the splendid Basque Country provided a welcome respite from the tourist centric squares of Madrid and sellers paradise beaches of Barcelona. The air was significantly more clean and crisp. Sea breezes wafted above majestic bridges and through cozy pristine kept parks flanked by blue iron benches.

San Sebastian offers three main beaches which exude a charm and culture all their own.

The centrally located crescent shaped Playa la Concha draws the majority of crowds, (on a typically warmer day than pictured) embodying an essence much like the city itself of French sophistication meets Spanish flair.
Overlooked by fancy residences and chic business alike, bordered by elegant iron fences and lavish globe street lights, intermingled with laid back beach bars and nighttime hot spots, Playa La Concha is just as perfect in reality as it is in a postcard. To the far west lies the family and activity oriented Playa Ondaretta, split from La Concha by El Pico del Loro - a rocky outcropping. The typically younger crowd oriented shores where the surfers play is Playa Zurriola, situated to the east of the city center in the laid back Gros District. This is where our hotel was, and we couldn't have been happier with the location. The fine grained sand is soft and inviting and the warm waters of La Concha Bay and the Bay of Biscay are exciting. White caps rush to shore leading sapphire blue waves as they christen footprints to smooth beach. In their wide arched wake they leave treasure troves of stones, shells, and most impressive pieces of sea glass. The epic proportioned waves do indeed make San Sebastian a surfers paradise, it is not uncommon to see a wet suit adorned surfer making his or her way through the narrow winding streets of Old Quarter or Gros, surf board in hand.As you can see, the conditions were far from ideal beach weather. Of our four days in town, it rained (on and off) for three of them. Our initial disappointments quickly dissolved, in a place this beautiful you take every moment as a blessing, rain or shine. We huddled under an umbrella when necessary, otherwise relinquishing cover to frolic in the drizzle and fog for all it was worth. We were thankful for having previously embraced two full beach days in Barcelona and appreciated that prior weeks traveling blessed us with nothing but intense sunshine. (In fact, of all our European beach destinations over the years, this was the first drop of rain we have seen.) Once the stormy skies lifted for good on our last day, we basked in the Basque Country sun on Zurriola Beach from 11am - 5pm, beers in hand, walking the shores, swimming the surf and definitely wishing this vacation didn't come with a return flight.

Lots more on our days and nights San Sebastian coming soon!

A Thanksgiving Libation

2011-11-23T20:05:00.008-05:00

I'll take my pumpkin pie in liquid form, thanks. This seasonal inspired cocktail was actually concocted by a friend of mine, we drank them up in Portsmouth, NH hanging out in our hotel room before hitting the town. Hence the plastic cups. It's the type of cocktail where one is all you need, at most two, similar to a slice of pumpkin pie. It's definitely sweet, but not too sweet, the rum tempers the rest, so be generous with that.

Pumpkin Pie Cocktail
-2 parts Captain Morgan's (or your favorite) spiced rum

-1 part Pumpkin Spice liqueur

-3 parts Apple Cider

Combine in a plastic cup with ice (or a martini shaker and strain straight up or on the rocks)

Garnish with whipped cream and a dash of pumpkin pie spice (or a cinnamon, nutmeg & clove blend)

I love this time of year!

Hope you're all enjoy the holiday with good food, drink, family and friends. Happy Thanksgiving!

Just Add Cheese & Poe's Kitchen Dinner Event

2011-11-21T19:30:00.008-05:00

The fabulous ladies of Just Add Cheese, Jacki Mo and Meesh Z, teamed up with the talented Chef Brian Poe of Poe's Kitchen at The Rattlesnake to create an extravagant 5 course meal for their friends and blogger pals this past Wednesday evening. Invitees convened in the private event space on the second floor overlooking Boylston Street; it was great to catch up with Justin, Emily, Dan and Bianca and mingle with some of Jacki and Meesh's pals who were also dining with us!The evening kicked off with Pomegranate Jalapeno Sangria and Quail Tacos!The sangria was subtly sweet with a spicy kick; I love a cocktail that isn't afraid to bring some heat. The quail tacos came loaded with tender bites of the gamey bird, its distinct nutty flavor embraced a heaping topping of pumpkin and jalapeno salsa. These ended up being one of my favorite dishes of the night!The spicy sangria as well the innovative use of quail impressed the group as we continued to mingle around the bar while Chef's Jacki, Meesh and Poe got things done in the kitchen. They presented us next with an Asian inspired Tuna Tartare laced with hints of pickled ginger and marinated in a soy and chive vinaigrette. Finished with a refreshing wasabi sorbet, this imaginative ingredient managed to both kick up and cool down the tartare at the same time. The cubed portions tumbled over a crispy wonton laid with rectangular strips of seaweed. Quite the prelude, it was hard to believe we were only just getting started! I was already blown away by the chef's prowess (All three of them.) It was time to officially take our seats as the first course arrived. Back in the kitchen I had seen Chef Poe thinly slicing the apples on his mandolin for the Apple Carpaccio Salad, which were gently tossed with baby arugula in an apple cider champagne vinaigrette. This salad evoked a true sense of fall, the apples and the vinaigrette both crisp and comforting, were complimented by cinnamon sugar dusted cashews. The ever wonderful Great Hill Blue Cheese and a slice of crispy prosciutto added ideal contrast to make this a well rounded salad.The second course of Chanterelle Mushroom Quesadillas made with Cihuahua cheese, Chervil, foie gras and truffle salsa hit the spot. The luxurious truffle laced vegetables and delicately seared foie gras elevated your classic run-of-the-mill Mexican appetizer to something truly memorable. The Chile Rellenos for course number three were yet another inventive interpretation of a traditional Mexican dish, with a hint of Japanese fusion. Over a vibrant tequila sunrise orange emulsion mingling with a pool of 5 Spoke Creamery Cheese sauce sat tequila spiked duck stuffed Anaheim chiles dredged in a saffron citrus tempura. Plated to resemble a maki roll of sorts and topped with an orange basil salsa, these brought heat and intense nuances of flavor. I was feeling pretty stuffed as the entrees hit the table, a Green Chile Braised Pork Belly came topped with a tomato confit and sprinkled with wild boar bacon bits and cotija cheese. The pork belly was nicely braised and laced with a good amount of fat. It was a little too oily and heavy for my taste, but the accompanying ingredients helped balance this out. Up next - the "Roulette Round" was a pallet cleanser of zesty peaches and herbs, where someone gets the ghost chile. Thankfully, it was not me, but the group definitely had a lot of fun with this course. It succeeded in preparing our taste buds for an impeccable dessert of Plantain Churros. The deep fried tropical fruits look nothing like a traditional Spanish churro, but I'm all for loose interpretations that still manage to succeed taste wise. The crispy exerior encasing soft plantains was served alongside a heavenly cinnamon ice cream met with a thick and luscious zig zag of salted caramel, a taza chocolate cappuccino sauce coating and a sprinkle of coarse black sea salt. This was a most exciting end to a stellar dinner party. The dishes served to us this evening were evocative of a true creative spirit in the kitchen, where flavors and ingredients of fall were fused with innovative preparations. Many thanks to our amazing trio of chef-hosts for their generosity; providing guests with great food, drinks and fun!

Portsmouth Restaurant Week | Black Trumpet

2011-11-18T08:30:00.007-05:00

Along a brick sidewalk that weaves down a quaint New England street bordering a historic port studded with industrial fishing boats, sits a mustard yellow barn door with thin black metal hinges, adorned with a handsome slate sign. Complimentary elements come together to create an inviting facade along a brick back drop - a giant circular sign touting gold lettering swings overhead, black windowpanes form a focal point where plants still bloom in the garden boxes beneath, and a gold striped awning above the door frame is the finishing touch. Located here at 29 Ceres Street is the family owned Black Trumpet Bistro, serving seasonally inspired, widely influenced American cuisine. A staple in the Portsmouth fine dining scene, I had heard plenty of rave reviews but this evening marked my first time in. Up a creaky narrow staircase the intimate wine bar overlooks the Piscataqua River. A cozy cave like dining room defined by heavy wood beam ceilings, exposed brick walls and shiny copper table tops is situated on the first floor. Both of these spaces embody a rustic elegance, fit for a romantic duo or a convivial group of 10.The ladies and I, after solid day at Red Hook Brewery and exploring downtown Portsmouth, cozied up at the wine bar just as it was opening at 5pm. We shared pitchers of the fall inspired Harvest Sangria, made with white wine, lemon, brandy and autumnal spices, before settling into our table downstairs for our 5:30 reservation.We started with a bread bowl of thinly sliced ciabatta and the restaurants signature bread, a crumbly loaf studded with black trumpets and dates. Accompanying them was a creamy butter laced with orange, this unique pairing sparked intrigue and made fans all around the table. I opted to partake in the restaurant week menu, three courses for $29 is certainly a good deal! I started with the delicately prepared Salt Cod Salad made with heirloom squash, pancetta and brussels sprouts, served warm in a sherry apple vinaigrette. The cod was not overly salty nor overly fishy, and as a result of pairing it with classic fall ingredients, the salad struck just the right balance of flavors and texture. You've got a nice sweetness from the heirloom squash, a bitter crunch from the brussels, and a firm bite of saltiness from the pancetta. The sherry vinegar and crisp apple dressing adds depth while tying everything together. For my main course, the Coq au Vin with porcini-cocoa pappardelle, cob smoked bacon and mushrooms was excellent. The chicken was perfectly braised, this traditionally rustic french preparation is clearly something the chef excels at. The pappardelle added a unique flair to the dish, it was a welcome addition to the earthy mushrooms, smokey bacon and savory chicken. Dessert was less exciting in comparison to its predecessors, but still a job well done. I had a few bites of the German Chocolate Beet Brownie with milk chocolate frosting, beet whip and candied orange peel. I wasn't a huge fan of the brownie itself, but that fluffy beet whip topping was pretty awesome. For my Indian Pudding with whipped vanilla custard and golden raisin sauce, I actually expected it would come at a warmer temperature. With a soft set consistency, the pudding still manages to comfort, covered by a blanket of silky vanilla custard over a pool of golden raisins bathing in sweet syrupy goodness. If you find yourself in the city of Portsmouth, you'll be in good company at Black Trumpet. It's definitely worth checking out, both the bistro and wine bar, on separate occasions or all at once. The place was packed as the girls and I made our way out. I was so not ready to leave New Hampshire and head back to Boston, I love it up there!!

Fall Comfort Foods

2011-11-17T08:30:00.010-05:00

Here are a few of my favorite weeknight meals inspired by brussels sprouts, the fall season, cranberries, maple syrup, local bloggers, sage and pumpkin.

Sometimes, the most satisfying dinnertime meal is a plate of roasted vegetables. Easy prep, easy bake, easy clean - are you sensing a trend?! Besides the ease of all steps involved, I feel super healthy after eating a big ol' plate of them! And as the central focus of the meal, rather than a typical side, I seem to appreciate them that much more.

No vegetable makes me happier than roasted brussels sprouts, they stand in a class all their own. I toss them in a generous amount of olive oil, salt and pepper and spread them on a foil lined baking sheet. Into a 400 degree oven they go for about 20 minutes, until a golden caramelized exterior begins to form.

The baked sweet potato needs 45 minutes to an hour in the oven. Once cooled, I topped the halves with a light, creamy Maple Sage Yogurt.

The simple preparation courtesy of We Are Not Martha mixes 6 oz of Greek yogurt with 1.5 tablespoons of pure maple syrup and a tablespoon of finely chopped sage. It's a delicious component that livens up, and lightens up a meal of hearty roasted vegetables.

The ultimate seasonal comfort food proves to be a Pumpkin Macaroni & Cheese, I borrowed this recipe from The Small Boston Kitchen.Coarse breadcrumbs incorporated with sage top a creamy cheddar, gouda and goat cheese blend using whole milk and lots of butter, a can of pumpkin puree (the original recipe used fresh), onions, spices and a tablespoon of grainy mustard. All of it gets baked until golden brown and yields plenty of velvety pumpkin meets gooey cheese goodness; with lots of leftovers to boot.
Back to brussels sprouts because I seriously can't get enough, this time they get sauteed and coated in a Maple Dijon Dressing and studded with a few extra components! I spotted this dish last season on Delicious Dishings and have made it once before. The sweet and savory dressing is really tasty. This time, I put my own twist on the inventive pairing of the coveted green veggie with buttery egg noodles, lacing them with toasted pecans for a textural crunch and dried cranberries which lend a tart sweetness. How badly are you craving a bowl of this?!
The second installment of fall cooking here on III is nothing without dessert! I made Butterscotch & Cranberry Blondies after I spotted the recipe on A Cambridge Story, originally adapted from Cooks Illustrated, Fall Entertaining. The mix calls for a truckload of butter, as in 12 tablespoons of it - which I took the liberty of reducing to 10! These are ridiculously buttery and indulgent even so. The dried cranberries make another appearance, they definitely give a tart and juicy complex to the blondies, while the real start is the sweet butterscotch chips. True comfort is evoked in each and every bite. I absolutely love fall foods!!

Vinoteca di Monica's Sunday Brunch

2011-11-15T08:30:00.004-05:00

Brunching within the confines of the North End is a rare commodity. There are plenty of casual counter spots to grab a bagel and a coffee to go, or caffes to sit with a frothy cappuccino and a pastry, but to enjoy a leisurely mid morning meal of eggs, bacon and the essential hair of the dog comes with limited availability. With all the restaurants in proximity you'd think more of them would decide to cater to the french toast and mimosa minded crowd! Branching out from the red sauce pasta filled dinner plates of norm is Vinoteca di Monica's located on the Freedom Trail at 143 Richmond Street. Festive fall decor welcomes with a simple display of bright orange pumpkins and cornstalks set in the exterior windowsill. The autumn scheme compliments nicely with the foliage colored red facade. Adam and I arrived just after they opened at 11am, to a prompt greeting and our choice of tables, a cozy window nook where the sun shone in brightly was the ideal spot. Attentive and courteous service echoed for the duration. Foregoing the standard bloody mary (though the round ordered at the table next to us looked excellent) an inspired coffee based cocktail is a whimsical prelude. The Spanish Coffee ($8) combines fresh brewed java, robust and piping hot with rum and Tia Maria liqueur. The eye opening elixir is topped with a mountain of frothy whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon and a maraschino cherry! It proves to be equal parts playful and sophisticated, not unlike the Pizzetta di Colazione ($10) which is an artisan breakfast pizza topped with potatoes, cheese, bacon and sunny side up eggs. Every thing about the first breakfast pizza I've ever consumed was spot on. The eggs were perfectly cooked for the occasion - soft set and gooey, but not runny to the point of annoyance. A pizza should be eaten with your hands for sure, I was nervous I'd come out on the other side a mess. The contained yolk nicely deterred that chaos; meanwhile, the crust was easy going, offering remarkably soft and chewy bites. The creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes with a few homefry style pieces topping it for good measure were fully comforting. The bacon took a supporting role, adding a crispy, salty counterpart here and there, which is exactly how I like mine in most instances. I felt like this pizza was made for me. The portion size was incredibly substantial, especially for $10. The center section sans egg was taken to go and heated up nicely for lunch the next day.
Adam's order of Bistecca con Uovo ($14) provided ideally cooked over easy eggs and an over cooked 6oz marinated sirloin. He requested meduim rare, there was not a trace of pink, however, it was still plenty flavorful and juicy. Alongside were roasted potatoes and rustic toast, and a glass of OJ that was refilled without even having to ask. This was a solid Sunday brunch, which I am so grateful Monica's has decided to offer! We will definitely be back.

Older posts that might be of interest:

Dinner at Vinotecca di Monica - Restaurant Week

North Street Grille - Long known as the only "go-too" neighborhood brunch, unfortunately, I would not recommend it. (I get asked about this place all the time.)

Caffe Nuovo - another rare but fantastic and always crowded North End sit down brunch.

Red Hook Brewery | Portsmouth

2011-11-14T08:00:00.009-05:00

An hour north of Boston on the New Hampshire seacoast lies the quaint city of Portsmouth, established in 1623 and home to roughly 21,000 people. Situated near the mouth of the Piscataqua River, the downtown area offers picturesque waterfront views and throughout winding streets and brick sidewalks exists a mecca of fantastic local shops, restaurants, bars and more. I've documented my visits here on multiple occasions, traveling up often to visit college friends. My Alma matter (University of New Hampshire) campus is located 15 minutes west in the tiny town of Durham, so I've got a definite connection to the area, as do some of my Boston blogger girlfriends. We decided a day trip was in order and with others in tow who had never been (!!) we headed up last Saturday where our adventures commenced with lunch at Red Hook Brewery. I had not been to the brewery since the summer of graduating (2006) and spent lots of time here in college (my 21st birthday dinner, among other blurry occasions!) Red Hook is the quintessential craft beer of the region, not to mention the breweries Cataqua Public House serves up some seriously tasty pub style food. The ten of us gals shared a plethora of appetizers starting with a Basket of Sweet Potato Fries ($7) and a Baked Jumbo Pretzel ($4) with homemade honey mustard dressing. A definite favorite were the Fried Artichoke Hearts ($8) dusted in seasoned flour and deep fried, served with a caper aioli. The Spinach and Artichoke Dip ($10) and the Hook Pilsner Infused Hummus ($7) are both delicious with grilled pita points, carrots and celery.We also noshed on oven baked Potato Skins ($9) loaded with Monterey Jack cheese and crumbled bacon, and Grilled Buffalo Chicken Strips ($10). All of it was even better than I remembered, from the superb food, to the clean tastefully decorated space, to the buttery brown couches, I was definitely re-living some great memories and had a blast making new ones.
The majority of us ordered our beer in the form of a Sampler Tray ($7); this is a fun and inexpensive way to enjoy the range of styles offered. A generous pour of ESB, Pilsner, IPA, Copperhook, Blackhook and Winterhook come on the sampler's circular platter with the color underneath corresponding to the menu description. We embarked on a brewery tour after lunch, I had somehow never been on one despite all my visits here. After all these years, it was finally meant to be! Tours cost $1 and run at various times on the hour, lead by a spirited guide, followed up with pitchers for sampling a number of varieties. My college girlfriends and I were always big fans of the Blonde Ale, a refreshing and thirst quenching blend of lightly roasted barley and a touch of wheat. The Longhammer IPA (India Pale Ale) is bold and meduim bodied, with a distinct bitterness as a result of adding hops both in the beginning and end of the fermentation process. Strong aromas and flavors of pine and citrus are prevalent. The Winterhook is a festive dark brew with rich malts and spicy hops. Roasted chocolate notes impart smoothness and finesse. This beer has been released for 27 seasons, the recipe changing slightly each year. I also really enjoy their ESB (Extra Special Bitter) a traditional British style amber beer that has been brewed since 1987. It balances sweet caramel malts with spicy and citrusy hops. I purchased two six packs (IPA and ESB) at the gift shop - I forgot how much I miss drinking this beer! Red Hook is not widely available in Boston, so I'm thrilled to have a small supply on hand. The Portsmouth blogger tour didn't end here, an afternoon shopping and wandering downtown was followed up by a fantastic meal at Black Trumpet Bistro, stay tuned for my review!

Barcelona | La Pedrera

2011-11-11T08:30:00.006-05:00

Introducing La Pedrera, another popular building in Barcelona designed by Antoni Gaudi during the years 1905 - 1910. These prominent urban apartments are originally know as Casa Mila, but more commonly referred to as La Pedrera meaning "The Quarry", nicknamed for the intense limestone facade and unique open pit construction. Embodying a subdued flamboyance in comparison to its neighbor Casa Battlo; the colors scheme sees more neutral earth tones, but the shapes, textures and overall appearance is no less a spectacle along the city's main promenade. The free flowing wavy exterior with elaborate wrought iron balconies and the rooftop terrace with mosaic chimneys and gypsy caves are major points of interest. Also shown are some of the interior rooms, where it is apparent I was particularly fond of the spacious bathrooms and pretty lampshades. Casa Mila / La Pedrera is located at 92 Passeig de Grassia in the city's Eixample District. It is open daily from 9am - 8pm. Adult admission costs 16€.

Barcelona | Casa Battlò

2011-11-10T08:00:00.002-05:00

A fantastically whimsical house designed by Antoni Gaudi, Casa Batllò delights with shapes and textures inspired from nature. Fish scale shingles form the roof and ceramic tree tops the chimneys. Doors are shaped like mushrooms and windows like clouds. Waves crash on ceilings and a snail shells coil into a banister. Colorful tiles and vivid mosaics captivate at every turn. Stained glass takes on forms and colors like you've never seen it. Hardwood floors and furnishings tie everything together with a polished finesse. It's an intricately imaginative space, a work of thought provoking architecture both inside and out.

Here are some of my favorite photographs from our tour.

Casa Battlò is located at 43 Passeig de Grassia in the city's Eixample District. It is open daily from 9am - 8pm. Adult admission includes an audio-guided tour and costs 20€.