prenatal dining out | Newton

We had nested all we could nest. The nursery was ready. We were ready. My induction was scheduled. We worked hard wrapping up at the office. We also worked hard putting together all the baby gear. And then, we felt like dining out all the time. These were not planned "we must eat out everywhere before baby comes!!" dinners, they were actually somewhat spontaneous outings that happened to mark special prenatal events. 

Also posting the February occasions: Valentine's Day // my 35th Birthday // Bob's birthday // [how cool that our sons birthday is right in between ours? Pisces Fam!]

I'm glad we took advantage. Postpartum, I've never been so content to be at home 24/7. It has all been so lovely. We're lucky!

Little Big Diner - Newton Centre

When you have a Ramen craving LBD is the best of the best. I enjoyed the very filling Miso Ramen topped with chashu pork, bean sprouts, sweet corn, scallions, nori + an ajitama egg

Sweet Tomatoes Pizza - West Newton 

Lunch Date before my Non Stress Test @ NWH MFM (Maternal Fetal Medicine).
This pizza is some of my favorite around. We had Garlic Spinach + Hawaiian.

COOK - Newtonville

Dinner date after getting the car seat inspected at the Newton City Police Dept.

Cook is an awesome neighborhood spot for an upscale casual meal. We shared Charred Broccoli with chimmichuri + Sticky Wings in a spicy soy glaze. A classic Burger with cheddar, LTO and crispy french fries hit the spot.

Rice Valley - Newtonville

The classic "lets go for spicy food" meal 

This was the night before my scheduled induction (Saturday 2/23). A little spicy never hurt the chances of going into labor naturally, right? 

We don't eat American Chinese food often. Rice Valley has a nice atmosphere to dine out in and the food is average. The Hot and Sour Soup was nice and spicy. We asked for the General Gao's Chicken (labeled as spicy) to actually come extra spicy. It did not, even though she assured it would, but it was still a tasty meal. The actual night of my induction (Sunday 2/24) we went for Spicy Buffalo Wings at Buffs Pub right before heading to NWH to get admitted. Talk about going all out. My water broke after one dose of the oral meds (which is considered lucky) so I honestly think the spicy wings helped me out!

West on Centre - West Roxbury

[I am postpartum now!]

Cam was still in the NICU and we were really not up for hanging out at home without him. This was another nice meal out that proved a welcome distraction. I had Pan Seared Sea Scallops in a citrus reduction over butternut squash puree + sautéed garlic spinach with roasted cauliflower. 

This neighborhood restaurant provided a terrific meal and swiftly paced (but not rushed) service. This was perfect for us as we did not want to linger, we were either eager to head back to NWH for Cam's bedtime feeding, or home to get that extra, much needed sleep! 

Saturday 3/2 ended up being Camden's last night in the hospital. On our way home we received a call from his nurse that he would likely be discharged the next day. He came home with us on his actual due date, Sunday, March 3rd! He is now 3 weeks old and I've never been happier! Being his Mom is the absolute best. 

The Wayland | East Village, NYC

The final NYC brunch was at The Wayland in Alphabet City - a hip, artistic, bohemian neighborhood of Manhattan's East Village. I only wish we had more time to explore around the graffiti imaged, community garden centered, up and come streets after our delicious meal! It started with their signature Garden Variety Margarita ($11) made with blue agave blanco tequila, ginger-kale juice, lime juice, agave nectar and smoked sea salt. A margarita + ginger-kale juice = a healthy, rejuvenating buzz. The boys went all out with a dish aptly named The Man Child ($14) a heaping plate of three eggs any style, bacon, sausage bread, fried fingerling potatoes + Brussels hash. Leah had the Breakfast Tacos ($8) - 2 fried eggs on corn tortillas w/ bacon, avocado, refried beans, cilantro, salsa + smoked pepper sauce. I went for something totally different which was their Cauliflower + Egg Sandwich ($11) - crispy cauliflower, shishito peppers, soft scrambled eggs, pickled onions + cilantro on a baguette. I absolutely loved it.

The Wayland

700 E 9th Street

New York, NY 10009

Apothic Wine Dinner | Tavern Road

Apothic Wines and winemaker Boyd Morrison hosted a tasting dinner at the high energy meets industrial and artsy Tavern Road, newly opened on Congress Street in Fort Point. Apothic offers three distinct varietals from California grapes: a red, a white and a newly released rose. The unique blends which create bold, full bodied and captivating wines were expertly paired with our three course meal prepared by Chef Louis DiBaccari.

We began with the Apothic Rose, a zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon blend with a gorgeous crimson hue and big luscious flavors of strawberry and watermelon. The first course presented a choice of chilled yellow watermelon soup with grilled haloumi, hazelnut and mint or a  grilled octopus salad with foccacia croutons drizzled in a cured meat viniagrette. Both were excellent starters which paired nicely with the Rose.

The Apothic Red is a merlot, zinfandel, syrah and cabernet sauvignon blend, revealing intense fruit flavors of rhubarb and black cherry, with hints of mocha, chocolate and spice. 

It complimented both entrée choices: a flavorful and tender harissa rubbed lamb steak with romesco, ramps and hazelnuts, and a terrific olive oil poached Chatham bluefish with fava beans, English peas and littlenecks. The table also enjoyed some side dishes - how nice to feast on crisp bok choy with green beans, shallots and almonds. A toasty roasted cauliflower with dates, baby beets and horseradish. Lastly, potato gnocchi with dandelion and aged balsamic. 

The vibrant Apothic White which combines chardonnay, riesling and moscato capped off our meal alongside dessert - a fresh baked, piping hot, chewy cookie and two scoops of a Mexican hot chocolate ice cream. I am a BIG FAN of Mexican hot chocolate and this ice cream truly captured its essence with smooth cocoa, cinnamon and cayenne for an intense spiciness.

It was quite an impressive spread, matched by awesome wines in a fun setting heralded by a spacious open kitchen, a lively bar scene and the chef's personal soundtrack choice - all 80's music! Many thanks to Boyd for introducing us to his wines and all who made this dinner such a great event!

Tavern Road

343 Congress St

Boston, MA 02210