Matlaw's Stuffed Clams

This past weekend my sister Leah turned 30! There were lots of celebrations on Cape Cod - one of which was this late afternoon summer feast on my Mom's back deck! 

We started with classic New England style stuffed clams from Matlaw's. These stuffies from Gloucester come frozen - simply place them on the grill for 25 minutes, serve with lemon wedges, and your appetizer course is set! Succulent clams meet golden crispy breadcrumbs with chopped celery and peppers and a dusting of parsley and paprika; everyone around the table nodded in agreement - the stuffies were super fresh tasting and full of flavor. They paired perfectly alongside a hearty arugula salad featuring blueberry balsamic marinated and grilled peaches, toasted pecans and creamy goat cheese crumbles. Then, we enjoyed teriyaki marinated steak tips, corn on the cob, mushrooms and crispy potatoes - and for dessert, warm brownies and vanilla ice cream!

Special thanks to Matlaw's for providing the stuffed clams. Check out all their seafood products and where to purchase them right here.

UpStairs on the Square | Tomatoes Galore

I have a feeling that the tomato and my love for it need no introduction. See this post from the tomato feast at UpStairs in 2010 and this one from a couple weeks ago at Bistro 5's heirloom celebration. At this dinner Michelle, Meghan, Megan and I celebrated more than just tomatoes but two years of friendships. It is pretty remarkable when events like this mark the passage of time - nearly everyone's lives are in a different place - whether we've moved, have a new job, have gotten engaged, or a combination of the above! 

Visiting UpStairs on the Square is like attending a festive soiree, its originality and charm resonate each time I return. We gathered first at the Monday Club Bar with a vibrant purple and green color scheme where a serpentine lilac bar commands the space. 

I started with a bubbly aperitif made with Aperol, fresh grapefruit and rosemary called Aprile ($11). The intense rosemary scent was cleansing and offered a lovely accent to the bitter sweetness of the Aperol.  Once we settled in among the jewel toned dining room enveloped by plush lavender booths and flickering gold accents, we began the tasting with an amuse bouche featuring juicy tomatoes with tender pork rillets over a piece of toast. 

A light bodied yet vibrant Boony Doon Albariño was poured to pair with the first course. Offering an acidic medley of grapefruit and lemon peel, the refreshing, silky texture matched that of the Green Zebra Tomato Gazpacho with green olive oil, crème fraiche, chives and rosemary. I scraped my bowl clean, this was a terrific first course. 
Then came a Brandywine Tomato Salad with radish, peach, lobster and nasturtium flowers. I never imagined lobster and peach together, they work exceptionally well. I am also a big fan (after this meal) of anything featuring the edible nasturtium flower. Its leaves offer a delectable peppery punch. At this point we are drinking a food friendly Sybille Kuntz Riesling, Mosel, made from organic German grapes resulting in delicate, dry and ultra crisp sips. 

The entrée is a hearty, tender Fire Roasted Berkshire Pork dusted in Fresh fennel pollen over smoked tomato molasses with bitter greens. 

This pork chop was a real treat alongside a vibrant Occhipinti Frappato, Sicily which balanced tart red fruits with a distinct earthiness.

I expected a little more from the dessert! While the Tomato Sorbet with candied pine nuts was lovely, it was similar to but not as incredible as the dessert from the last tomato tasting. The pungent sorbet did benefit from the final wine pairing, De Trafford Vin de Paille, a sweet but not cloying straw wine from South Africa.

UpStairs on The Square usually hosts their heirloom tomato series for a short period of time in the month of August. It is definitely a treat to attend and a tradition I have come to love! 

Market by Jean-Georges

On Tuesday evening after a few cocktails and appetizers in the swanky W Hotel Lounge, Megan and I made a spontaneous decision to grab dinner at Market.  A restaurant launched by French Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, his aim is to provide locally produced and seasonal market ingredients with an eclectic twist. Emphasizing comfort and creativity the menu reinvents classic dishes from other regions while remaining close to home.

The super low lighting and long opaque curtains create a captivating and intimate space, accented by modern furniture and simple understated décor.It was fairly busy but we were seated right away at a small table overlooking Tremont Street.

We decided to share a half bottle of Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc ($34). There is no doubt we could have polished off a full bottle but at this point in the evening I appreciated that they offered them by the half!

This 2008 wine from Napa Valley was crisp and refreshing (is that how I describe all white wines!?) Even so, the bright citrus notes paired seamlessly with the dishes we chose. We decided to share a few smaller plates beginning with the enticing Tuna Tartare ($15) made with avocado, spicy radish, and ginger dressing. Our waiter took the time to explain these were heirloom radishes and in addition, the tartare was draped in a sweet chili oil.

I thought this dish embodied the restaurant concept in a nutshell - the classic tuna tartare you know and love was elevated to a new level of taste and texture with the addition of radishes, ginger and sweet chili oil. We split the Frisèe and Goat Cheese Salad ($11) which was thoughtfully presented to us in separate portions. The salad consisted of pickled peaches, crystallized wasabi and candied pistachios. Sure you have had peaches and pistachios and likely wasabi. But have you ever had pickled peaches, candied pistachio or crystalized wasabi? Me neither! 

The peaches were deliciously sweet and slightly acidic. The candied pistachios offered a sweet nuttiness in contrast to the tangy goat cheese and slight heat of the wasabi crystals. I enjoyed every bite of this simply plated, texturally complex salad.

The pizzas here serve as appetizers. I love the concept of seafood on pizza ever since I experienced this incredible combo (scallops, shrimp and calamari) at Mare. Tonight it was the Maine Lobster Pizza ($14) with a three cheese blend, lemon juice and olive oil that won me over. Two pieces each were the perfect bites. The lobster was plentiful, the thick melted fontina and parmesan cheeses were comforting, while the very prevalent lemon juice and zest elevated the pizzas flavor, making the dish truly memorable and crave worthy.

Our waiter tonight was prompt and precise. He was genuine and took the time to explain the dishes as he served them. We never had to wait too long in between plates with the exception of dessert. But that is because we ordered a souffle!

We decided to skip the chocolate cake and ice cream sundae options forging ahead with the Concord Grape Soufflé ($8). This.was.phenomenal. If you have the opportunity to dine at Market definitely order the soufflé. Fortune favors the adventurous.

Your classic PB&J flavors are reinvented with an eclectic flair; the fluffy grape cake and luscious Hazelnut and Almond praline sauce were reminiscent of the elementary school lunch staple. Nostalgic favors aside, the soufflé was light and custard-y, perfectly executed.
The Concord grape sorbet was a lusciously flavorful and welcome accompaniment. Move over panna cotta and crème brulee, soufflé might just be my new favorite dessert. Market has a consistent approach to service and a creative approach to food, where each dish served tonight was innovative and exciting; plus the emphasis on fresh, local ingredients is always appreciated. 

Market by Jean Georges

100 Stuart Street

Boston, MA 02116