Roche Bros. Tasting Counter

The opening of Roche Bros. over a year and a half ago was a game changer for those of us who work or live in Downtown Crossing. I have hugely appreciated having them close by my office for lunch + snack options during the day and for quality grocery shopping trips after work. Their selection of sushi and maki rolls, artisanal baguette sandwiches and fresh out the oven chocolate chip cookies have been my go-tos.

Now, even more of game changer is their recently unveiled renovation: an impeccable 10,000 square foot space extending into the base of the Millennium Tower. This includes a tremendous selection of beer, wine, sake, alcohol, AND, a sleek new tasting bar offering fantastic lunch options!! Their well appointed tasting counter serves seasonal dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced products that are sold in store.

I was super impressed with everything from the Seasonal Handcrafted Soda expertly flavored with thirst quenching mango + passionfruit, to the exquisite, fine dining caliber Yellowtail Poke, to the incredibly comforting Harpoon IPA Fondue. From their dessert counter a few aisles over, mini sweet treats are also a win, and I loved the thoughtful touch of red and green holiday flare on the plate! 

Counter service here is personable, knowledgeable and efficient. Bonus points for for presentation and aesthetic: that fire engine red mini cast iron staub! Stainless steel drinking straws! Sturdy plates made of recycled materials. Mini forks for fondue. Chopsticks for the poke. Eating lunch here was fun and enjoyable - this grocery store tasting counter simply did not miss a beat. 

Prices and descriptions below:

Yellowtail Poke ($14) local radish, cucumber, enoki mushrooms, yuzu + sesame dressing

Charcuterie Board ($11) - prosciutto, speck, pickled vegetables: snap peas, carrots and hearts of palm

Local Cheese and Harpoon IPA Fondue ($10) artisianal baguette + charred broccoli

Crispy Flatbread ($11) onion + tomato confit, charred broccoli, crumbled local feta

Mini Dessert Trio ($8) key lime tart, hazelnut cake, chocolate ganache cake. 
We also enjoyed a Cappuccino ($3.50) with dessert.

Right now, the tasting counter feels like an insider secret - but you should not hesitate to make it a destination!

P.S. Merry Christmas! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!!!

Roche Bros. @ Millennium Tower
8 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02110

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

Bokx 109

The classy and sophisticated Newton steakhouse, Bokx 109 has once again provided me with an exceptional meal. Last fall I enjoyed dinner here at the chefs counter with a large convivial group, while this time around it was a relaxing slow paced date for two. 

Shortly after settling into a spacious and comfy tufted leather booth our server selects a bottle of Optima Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley and starts us with some items off the extensive snakx portion of the menu: sesame tuna nachos with sriracha sour cream, pear and mascarpone sacchetti with orange and balsamic and local oysters with cucumber and Hendricks gin mingionette. 

Each bite was creative and inspired. Sriracha sour cream is a fun pairing with the fresh tuna. The sacchetti are plump, slightly sweet, tangy and creamy, easily one of the best bites of the evening. And of all the oysters I've slurped, I can't recall one ever being paired with gin, it was fantastic.  

Chef outdoes himself with a warm calamari salad and I'm thankful our waiter steered us in this direction. Tender, buttery rings and tentacles mingle with wheat berries, arugula, and cherry tomatoes in a bright citrus nage.

Hearty steak entrees are named for the box the cuts are delivered in. The Deacon 3 - 109 (Prime Rib) comes three ways with shortrib, ribeye heart and spinellis. The 103 (Ribeye) Cowboy is one serious cut of meat, and provides leftover for two days. The steaks are perfectly cooked, with the exception of the short rib that end up being somewhat dry. Sides are delicious and include thick cut and heavily battered tempura onion rings, an ultimate Baked Potato and wild mushrooms dusted in fresh herbs and sea salt.

Dessert presented us with a variety of treats, a pretty fruit plate with a refreshing lemon sabayon and a rich chocolate cake with white chocolate mousse, peanut butter mousse and dark chocolate ganache.  

And for a grand finale, a tower of fluffy pink cotton candy!

 

Bokx 109 @ Hotel Indigo

399 Grove Street

 Newton, MA 02462

 this meal was complimentary, all opinions are my own

Chicago Part 1 | The Wedding | Architectural Artifacts

Chigaco, Illinios. I've always wanted to visit, and this past weekend I finally had the opportunity. The city captivated with sleek modern architecture, refreshing (no ketchup allowed) hot dogs, wide, well kept streets and deep dish pizza. But the highlight of the trip (besides finally getting  to see The Bean!) and the reason behind it was the wedding of two dear friends; Lisa and Marc. 
They welcomed us to Hotel Allegro with goody bags full of treats and favors, hosted everyone on Friday evening for the rehearsal dinner at Quartino Pizzeria, threw a fantastic reception at Architectural Artifacts, an industrial warehouse space with unique treasures, antiques and funky vintage decor; and they even planned a farewell brunch the next morning, which fueled us for a short afternoon of exploring before catching a flight home. I'll start with some of my favorite shots from the reception, the highlights included seven cakes and skee-ball. (And spending time with my wonderful, hilarious friends, that's all over here.)

A swing band played through the ceremony and dinner before a DJ came on to spin tunes until midnight. The surf and turf meal was excellent and my carrot cake was some of the best I've had. Late night chicken and waffle bites and vanilla shakes kept us fueled as we made our way to the after party at a great little dive bar called Stocks and Blondes. It was a beautiful, memorable, and incredibly fun wedding. 

I will post about the many other other Chi-Town happenings soon!!