Kia Cadenza at No. 9 Park

In a unique test drive meets dining experience, hosted at one of Boston's best, No. 9 Park, guests took the 2014 Kia Cadenza for a spin through Beacon Hill and Downtown before enjoying an outstanding three course meal. 

Luxurious and comfortable, where high performance engineering and technology meets a handsome urban sedan, the Cadenza is making strong first impressions as it gets introduced across North America. 

"The style was influenced by a private jet, particularly the wing area, and the flowing lines of a yacht." ~Louis Kim, Design Manager

A modern design and sophisticated finishes, plush leather seats, a sunroof stretching from front to back, buttons and cupholders in convenient locations - it is certainly an enhanced driving - and in my case - backseat riding, experience.  

"Premium is the level of satisfaction experienced over a long period of time, the first impression should make a huge impact, but that impact should last and intensify as time passes." ~Kim

Salad of Mixed Greens | heirloom tomatoes, marinated watermelon, grilled halloumi

Carnaroli Risotto | corn, bluefoot chanterelles, parmigiano-reggianoAtlantic Hake | heirloom tomatoes, shellfish, plankton and saffron aioli

Duet of Beef | ricotta and whey, chickpea farinata, broccoli rabe

Olive Oil Cake | local strawberries, whipped mascarpone, fennel

Vanilla Rum Bavarian | peaches, mint, baba cake

The Kia Cadenza experience was truly a pleasure. So was this meal.

P.S. More No. 9 Park here.  

the rebirth of Olives

Chef Todd English recently threw a party to celebrate his flagship restaurant located at City Square in Charlestown. Olives grand RE-Opening event was met with much fanfare and excitement. The original Olives which opened in 1989 was something of a legend in Boston. Having been closed since 2010, the space has been revamped to embody a rustic elegance, with a grand mahogany wraparound bar and a stunning open kitchen as the central focal points. 

Todd has partnered with Chile Extra Virgin Olive Oil which was a featured ingredient in many of the signature party bites. Beautifully prepared ceviche (tuna with avocado panna cotta and hake with cucumber and coconut milk) and a remarkable dessert of olive oil tres leche cake. Even the signature martini highlighted the olive oil by lacing it a top a fantastic concoction of shaken vodka, vermouth, basil, Cointreau, muddled orange and simple syrup. I arrived early to attend a tasting of the olive oil before the party began. It is definitely some of the smoothest, most flavorful I've had. It truly enhanced everything from the quail egg shooters (above) to the carrot and duck risotto (below).

After some mingling, drinking and dancing we dug into a lavish dessert bar. The sweets were abundant and incredibly executed, from rice krispies pyramids to wonderfully fluffy, decadently frosted cupcakes.

This was such a great night. I captured much less of all the details and the exquisite passed appetizers than you see here, I was mainly relishing the spirited energy with friends and bubbly. I love that the opening nearly coincided with my move to the neighborhood! I can't wait to return for dinner. 

Classic London

The well known and quintessential sights of the city likely need no explanation. From Big Ben and Parliament to Buckingham Palace and Queen Victoria Memorial; we came, we saw, we photographed. We also has a blast drinking Pimm's Cup, British beers and mulled wine. 

I was excited to devour the classic British meal of fish and chips with mushy peas. A cozy pub in Liverpool Square named The White Hart satisfied the craving.

The fillet of hake was ale battered and deep fried to crispy, flaky perfection a top lightly fried chips and served with a side of mushy peas. Mushy peas are in fact a lot more appetizing than the name seems to suggest. A cup of tartar sauce was also on hand for dipping. Additionally, our first mugs of mulled wine did not disappoint. They were warm and soothing with sugar and spice infusions of cinnamon, clove and nutmeg.

The royal sights and regal buildings are matched with an energetic spirit and unique embrace. On the whole, classic elegance is balanced with staple comforts. London is a European city distinctly different than any I've traveled to and it absolutely holds a special place.