City Landing

City Landing opened quietly in July, filling a prime location on the Greenway overlooking the Wharf District parks. It takes over where the original and well liked Sel de la Terre left off after nearly 12 years. 

There was definitely room for a new type of energy on Long Wharf and the re-design embraces that with wide light filled windows, green fabric booths and matching lime colored placemats. Handsome contemporary stone work inlaid with pretty blue tiles frame the dining room with contrasting chocolate brown tables.

My mom, sister and I had  just returned from hiking Spectacle Island and were looking to relax, this was the perfect spot to do so. After the host greeted us warmly we settled comfortably into our table and proceeded to study the wine and cocktail list. I settled first on a Pineapple Jalapeno Caipirinha ($13) it was one of the more exciting versions of a caipirinha I've had, the sweet and spicy livening up the traditional lime and mint.

The wines are grouped progressively - light, medium and full bodied, with a range of selections. Glasses are offered in 6 and 9 ounces, accompanied by a sleek carafe. Later in the meal I chose a 9 oz pour of the Domane Wachau, Gruner Veltliner ($15) a versatile and food friendly wine with a medium body and crisp acidity.

We were pretty excited upon placing our appetizer order for the Trio of Spreads ($12) consisting of truffle herb goat cheese (say no more), white bean roasted garlic and artichoke tapenade. The pitas were served warm and the super flavorful spreads come in adorable ceramic pots; the meal was off to a terrific start. 

The dreary and drizzling weather lent ideal conditions to linger over a bowl of soup. Or two. I was excited to see that they offered a Soup Sampler Duo ($9)!

If your craving a cup of Boston Clam Chowder, chef-owner Bill Brodsky's version is expertly seasoned, briny and creamy, with a nice thick broth and perfectly cooked morsels of potato. The crispy clam on top adds a special touch. It's no surprise this chef has mastered the art of clam chowder, he comes here after spending over a decade at Cape Cod's Wequassett Resort. 

It seems he's no slouch either when it comes to the ultimate bowl of comfort, Tomato Soup. To be precise, this is a Yellow Tomato Bisque and it's bursting with sweet, ripe, juicy tomato scents and flavors, heightened by swirls of chive oil and a flaky cheddar twist on the side. 

I tried my Mom's entrée sized Caesar Salad with Grilled Salmon ($23) it was robust with white anchovy, chopped hard boiled egg, capers, garlic croutons and parmesan. My sisters Crispy Chicken Sandwich ($13) was yet another solid offering, it came with lettuce, onion, tomato, bacon, Swiss cheese and a lovely basil mayonnaise.

Our impressive food was matched with kind natured front-of-the-house staff, our waiter was attentive without being overbearing and the manager offers warm smiles as he moves about about the dining room, taking note of newcomers and making sure to thank us as we left. So far, City Landing proves to be a great fit.

City Landing | Long Wharf

255 State Street

Boston, MA 02109

B&G Oysters | South End

It's Restaurant Week in Boston! Love it or hate it, you all know the drill; the infamous $33.11 prix fix menu exclusive of tax, tip and beverages sees the masses flocking to upscale neighborhood restaurants to get their fill of three course lunches and dinners.

I'm little late this go round as we're almost through week number two! B&G Oysters of Barbara Lynch Grouppo infamy is a tiny subterranean spot on the corner of Tremont and Waltham Streets in the South End; showcasing true to Barbara Lynch form - classic New England Seafood in a polished modern atmosphere. A white marble bar surrounds an energetic open kitchen flanked by polished high tops and funky gold vinyl booths. We sat tucked in a corner nook with front row seats of the open kitchen; witness to a constant out pour of simple yet stunning seafood plates and a vibrant scene of waitresses weaving swiftly through the small space. To start, a glass of vino. I chose the Loimer Grüner Veltliner ($12) a wine bottled especially for B&G Oysters each year. We started with a couple oyster each - Malpeque from PEI and Mayflower Point from Dennisport.

The Malpeque was plump and silky with a milder saltiness, heavier sweetness, and a clean sweet finish. The Mayflower Point was saltier than the latter with an overall medium brine and clean crisp finish.

I wished I could sample the whole index card full, but at $2.75 a pop, these salty gems make a fast easy dent in your wallet. Plus, we had an entire three course meal to dive into!

Adam started with the Clam Chowder served with spicy croutons and lardoons. I sampled a few bites, the broth lent a balanced consistency with permeating flavors of the sea and ample chunks of clam. In short, an excellent clam chowder.

My Lobster Arancini offered four deliciously crispy fried rice balls seasoned with chervil over avocado creme fraiche. Neither of us could pass up the Moules Frites for our entrée. We decided on a whole plate of mussels each, that's just how it was going down. An impressive portion of both moules and frites graced us, piping hot with ringlets of shallots laced throughout the mussel shells and an abundant display of parsley on top.

Adam loved the mussels instantly, but I wasn't completely enamored. They were large and plump, but at times were lacking in flavor since they weren't really soaking what little creamy white wine broth was in that shallow bowl. They weren't bad, they just weren't blow-me-away-good.  The frites were excellent and addictive, with bright green specks of parsley clinging to crispy, salty strands. 

We were offered coffee with dessert - they serve high quality Illy. 

Our plan of attack was to share one of each. The Brown Butter Panna Cotta with its caramelized banana and candied almonds stole the show. That's not to underestimate the Chocolate Cake with peanut butter mousse and peanut brittle as this was a commendable dessert. Our meal was flawlessly paced, lasting about 2 hours in total. We lingered in between courses but never for too long. Our waitress had an interesting disposition about her, as she was not outwardly warm or friendly, but had a more subdued quality in her approach - nice without forcing the charm.

B&G Oysters runs like a well oiled machine. While restaurant week for the most part holds up its end of the bargain, there is no need to wait for a special occasion prix fix menu to enjoy this South End neighborhood gem. I'd be content to sip Grüner and slurp oysters at the bar any night of any week.

B&G Oysters

550 Tremont Street

Boston, MA 02116