Before I met the ladies for an impromptu gathering I relaxed for a moments in the boutique hotel lobby. Smells of earthy incense wafted and ornate Christmas decorations filled a mantle above a crackling fire.
Megan, Alicia and I gathered for a send off dinner in Alicia's honor. The evening marked her last official night as a Boston resident. 
Comfortable dining nooks are sectioned off in corners of the restaurant housing dark brown woods and leather booths. Large windows overlook the grand city scape. The central bar is set a glow by warm yellow lighting backed by a wall of rich blue and gray slate tiles.
As we settled in and got to eyeing the extensive cocktail menu it felt like a champagne kind of evening. While the martini list sparked intrigue, I sipped on what is now one of my favorite champagne drinks to date, affirming my infatuation with bitters. 
Served in a wide rimmed champagne glass with a zig zag stirrer, the Champagne Cocktail ($8) boasted an angostura bitters soaked sugar cube, giving the bubbly a deep topaz glow and a slightly bitter finish. 
Whoever thought of a bitters soaked sugar cube should be praised for it is possibly best thing to happen to champagne drinks!
The appetizers looked promising so once we finally narrowed it down to three choices and a salad it wasn't long before the dishes graced the table and we played the usual pass-the-plates game before digging in.
Ancho rubbed Hangar Steak Tacos ($11) come with fresh diced tomatoes topped with julienned radishes and a flavorful guacamole served inside a tamale.
In the Roasted Pumpkin Agnolotti ($10) the pumpkin is complimented by the spicy crunch of the walnuts and the sweet, tender bosc pear. Finished in a warm brown butter sauce, the Angolotti proves a delicate and delicious appetizer plate.
Next up, a divine Sweet Potato Gnocchi ($12) dish made with duck confit and a savory red wine sauce. The pillows of sweet potato gnocchi proved an exciting pairing with the tender duck meat and sharp parmesan cheese.
The House-Made Burrata Cheese & Prosciutto di Parma Salad ($13) was a winning combination of ingredients. Burrata means buttered in Italian, the cheese is made with fresh mozzarella and cream, lending a soft silky palate and a creamy taste. Tart juicy grapefruits, peppery arugula and crispy prosciutto mingled with an inventive dressing that combined a reduction of white wine balsamic with figs. 
Wishing Alicia well as she officially embraces a new life in Connecticut, another round of cocktails were in order! I'm looking forward to sharing in her discoveries as she scopes out the Hartford and local CT food scene.
Embracing upscale comfort as whole, City Table makes for an intimate gathering with friends (or perhaps a more rowdy evening at the bar, see behind us).Boston, MA 02116
