Stein Eriksen Lodge | Deer Valley

Another gorgeous bluebird day was spent cruising the slopes at Deer Valley. This majestic mountain is skiers only and quite a refined skiing experience if I do say so myself. We lunched at Stein Eriksen Lodge's Giltretind inside next to a crackling fire. (Although the outdoor dining with tables surrounding fire pits looked equally as inviting!) Timing wise our food service left much to be desired - our appetizers and meals came out together and took for-ev-er. It was incredibly busy. The food was still excellent. 

We shared Green Deviled Avocado Eggs & Ham ($15), I drank a Wasatch Brewing GhostRider White IPA, plus a glass of Rosé. I had an outstanding sandwich: Iberico Pork, Serrano Ham & Egg ($21) layered with grilled shoulder, shaved ham, herbs and pickled mustard seed on ciabatta with an arugula pesto and pumpkin seed quinoa salad. 

The #SafeAsKittens #JonsWapiti Utah 2017 crew! The Treats is not pictured here / taking the photo.

Not Your Average Joe's | Waltham

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

Not Your Average Joe's

56 Market Place Drive

Waltham, MA 02451

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

Christmas 2014.

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

Bronwyn | Union Square

In Somerville's Union Square, Bronwyn serves a fresh take on the food and drink of Germany and Eastern Europe. The deeply wooded interior is warm and rustic, bedecked with handcrafted treasures from the region, notably a mash up of tall, regal looking wooden chairs. The biergarten is open now that we've reached the warmer months! 

The girls and I put a serious dent in the menu. I was really impressed with everything we ate and drank. It all felt so original, so refreshing and much needed. In order of appearance.....

Giant Haus Bretzel | spicy horseradish mustard 

Pierogi | haus-made ham & cheddar cheese dumplings, sweet pea relish, mint

Thüringia Pickled Eggs | habanero mustard

Spätzle | classic schwabian pasta, spring ramps, red onion marmalade, comte cheese

Sieben | Citadelle Gin, Cocchi Amaretto, Aperol, Grapefruit, Sparkling Riesling

Smokey Bone | Templeton Rye, Creme Yvette, Green Chartreuse, Jerry Thomas Bitters

Schmaltz | chicken & pork fat, cracklin, pickled onion, rye bread

Okocim Premium Pils Bresko Poland | light, well balanced hops, biscuity flavors

Schnitzel à la Holstein | pork schnitzel, soldier bean ragoût, soft boiled egg, white anchovies, capers

Mini Wurst Plate | Cotechino - pig skin, cinnamon, clove / Currywurst - pork, veal, curry / potatoes, sauerkraut, haus mustard 

Reibekuchen (unpictured, but amazing) | horseradish potato pancakes, rhubarb chutney, dill crème fraîche

Bronwyn

255 Washington St

Somerville, MA 02143