Post 390 Picnic Basket

Post 390 Picnic Baskets are where it's at this September. The sun is still shining after you get out of the office, but those sweltering July and August days are well behind. Schedule a basket with an hour lead time to pick up after work - then wander over to Copley Square, the Esplanade or the Public Garden. We headed to our end of the Charles River Esplanade in Brighton. (The light was so insanely beautiful that I decided to channel my inner fashion blogger modeling with my cute little picnic basket!) Here's what's in it: 

/ Salad of Artisan Lettuces / candied pecans, dried cranberries, manchego, white balsamic vinaigrette 

/ Antipasto / prosciutto americano, sweet soppressata, marinated mozzarella, pickles, stout mustard, banana peppers, toasted baguette with sea salt  

/ Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies / soft + chewy 

/ Meyer + Tarragon Sparkling Lemonade / meyer lemon juice, tarragon, black peppercorn

All the food was delicious, however, that lemonade was my favorite! Everything was thoughtfully prepared and securely packaged, which in turn made for convenient unpacking and laying out a lovely spread with ease. The wooden utensils were a thoughtful touch, too. There are a couple different menu options - check them out here and let me know if you try one! 

*This picnic basket was complimentary, all opinions are my own*

Sfizi @ Dante

Every Tuesday in the bar and lounge at Dante enjoy $2 grilled cheese sandwiches from 5:30 pm. Offering sweeping views of the Charles River and the Boston skyline, Dante is a contemporary Italian restaurant located inside the Royal Sonesta Hotel on the Cambridge side of the river.My sister and I arrived and were happy to learn from the hostess that the grilled cheese special is offered on the patio as well. It was a gorgeous evening so we took full advantage of the riverside views, settling in first with some cocktails. I went with what can only be described as my dream cocktail, the Italian 75 ($9) which combines my two favorite liqueurs - Aperol and St Germain with lemon, prosecco and gin. Leah's Watermelon Basil Margarita wasn't as noteworthy.For our second round I stuck with my beloved Italian 75 and she decided on Sangria ($9) which was much more satisfying than round one. Along with our cocktails a sophisticated version of the weekly grilled cheeses were enjoyed; boasting layers of melted mozzarella, peppery arugula and spicy pepperoncini on thick slices of evenly toasted bread.I should mention one half of a grilled cheese is $2, still a large half and $2 well spent. In addition to this deal the bar offers $1 oysters daily from 4 - 6 pm. We couldn't pass this up and slurped three briny east coast oysters each. We also noshed on some sfizi - "little tastes" which are individual antipasti plates meant for sharing. The Fried Calamari ($6) incorporated delicious little morsels of fried lemon zest along with a grilled lemon thyme aioli. The Pannocchia ($6) which is grilled corn on the cob with pecorino cheese and a spicy aioli was excellent.

Our waitress disappeared for awhile after clearing our plates - when it was clear we were finished with our cocktails and in need of either the check or another round!  Even so, Dante is not a bad spot to check out for their weekday menu deals especially while you can still enjoy the outdoor space. 

We exited the patio off the back steps and decided to take an evening turned sunset stroll around the Charles. We stopped to feed a family of ducks, meandered over the Longfellow Bridge, watched the Red Line speed by and looped back around to the Boston side of the river and walked the Esplanade home.

Dante @ The Royal Sonesta Hotel

41 Edwin Land Boulevard

Cambridge, MA 02142

Semper Fi & Lower Depths

Last Thursday night we attended the Albany Marine Band Concert at the Hatch Shell. We enjoyed a leisurely walk down the Esplanade on a warm yet windy evening. The sun dipped low over the sailboat dotted Charles River and the Red Line sped across the Longfellow Bridge.

Once we reached the Hatch Shell we claimed a spot on the lawn.
This large dome stage on the south bank of the Charles River is well known as home to Boston's 4th of July celebration including a performance by the Boston Pops. It also lends itself to various concerts throughout the summer months.
The Marine Band performed this evening in honor of Marine Week Boston. These men in uniform are highly skilled musicians; some recognizable pieces were played including the Pirates of the Caribbean Theme and the Star Wars Theme. It was engaging and relaxing at the same time. 
Pictured above with Corporal Howell Kendrick Anders (my cousin!) trombone player extraordinaire looking dapper in his uniform. We chatted with some of the Marines we'd met throughout the week and many of them agreed this was one of the coolest locations they had ever played at. Worth noting that while these Corporals and Sergeants mission first and foremost is music: all Marines in the Band are fully trained to fulfill their secondary mission of bearing arms in the defense of our nation. The Few. The Proud. The Marines.

The Marines had an early morning marching performance so we said our goodbyes and made our way down the Back Bay length of Beacon Street. Our destination was The Lower Depths on Commonwealth Ave.
The Lower Depths is a hole-in-the-wall Kenmore Square bar with an insane selection of beers and $1 Fenway Franks! While it had cooled down some, the below-street-level patio was secluded and our table of choice in the corner was cozy surrounded by potted flowers and plants.
Note: this is a ca$h only and a beer and wine only establishment.
Don't fear: they have an ATM and there are over 150 bottles, cans, and draft beers to choose from. If you are having trouble narrowing down the staff is extremely knowledgeable on the 5+ page menus. My sister asked for a white ale recommendation and our waiter knew just the beer for her. I ordered a can of Butternuts Porkslap, everyone chuckling as the words came out of my mouth. How hilarious are the belly slapping pigs?!
With a location convenient to Fenway Park but situated on the outskirts of the Lansdowne St/Yawkey Way madness, this bar can be a welcome extract from the riot like masses of Red Sox game night crowds.
My go to order is the Fish Wrap ($8) with tater tots. A soft flour tortilla gets filled with beer battered crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside cod fish, shredded lettuce, a blend of cheeses, mango salsa and habanero aioli. With any sandwich on the menu you get to choose from a plethora of sides. Go with the Tater Tots. Trust me! 
Leah and Tray shared the Nachos ($9) and raved about them. Everything on them is house made including the chips topped with refried black beans, melted cheese, guacamole, tomato salsa, sour cream and pickled jalapeno.
I can't wait for more nights this summer on the LD patio, hopefully stuffing my face with a Fenway Frank and discovering more beers with funny names and one-of-a-kind logos.

The Lower Depths Tap Room

476 Commonwealth Ave

Boston, MA