Maggiano's Little Italy

At Maggiano's they serve family style Italian-American food, where the portions are large, affordable and consistently well executed. With an ideal location in Park Plaza neighboring the Theater District, I've been here quite a few times since I've lived in the city (Adam's family loves this place!) generally as a preface to a show or a movie. I've even been to a wedding reception in the downstairs banquet rooms, which (who knew?!) offer a warm and inviting space with plenty of room for dancing! I still remember being blown away at how fantastic that wedding was!

When Maggiano's invited me in to sample their menu I happily obliged and invited Adam along to help me out. 
I started with a glass of White Wine Sangria ($8.75) which was sweet and fruity. I'm generally a fan of crisp, wine forward sangria, so I wished there had been a little more wine and a little less soda. Even so, it was refreshing and easy to drink. 

As far as appetizers go the Zucchini Fritte ($8.25) are a standout. Thick strips of the firm green vegetable are cloaked in coarse Japanese bread crumbs and fried until tender and perfectly crispy. The lemon aioli is just the right texture, smooth and on the thin side, so slather it generously on the fritters, they make an excellent pair. 

A robust and filling bowl of the Tuscan Style Steamed PEI Mussles ($9.95) come tossed in a white wine sauce with plenty of cannellini beans and sun dried tomatoes, finished with lemon and roasted garlic toasts.  

Somehow after these two appetizers and but one slice of bread, we were feeling stuffed! Family style dining is where it's at around here, as we glanced around and notice the restaurant was packed, mostly with large parties, even on a Monday night. We knew the entrees would be generous portions, nothing wrong with having lunch already planned for tomorrow. 

Their rendition of a traditional Chicken Saltimboca ($16.95) served in a garlic white wine sauce with caramelized onions was juicy and flavorful; the always delectable combination of salty prosciutto and earthy sage with a layer of melted provolone cheese was beautifully done. A side of Angel hair pasta aglio oilo comes included in with the entrée. Adam enjoyed his Spaghetti and Meatballs ($12.95). Simple, classic and inexpensive, these are the types of dishes you are going to find on the menu here. It is not for an adventurous meal and it is not aiming to be trendy. 

We ended the meal with frothy Cappuccino ($3.95) and Creme Brulee ($7.50). I appreciated how the crème brulee was served in a wide yet shallow dish, guaranteeing shards of burnt sugar in every creamy, custard filled bite. With kind-hearted, knowledgeable servers at the helm you're in good hands at Maggiano's. The food is classic, comforting and well executed. 

Adam and I practically had to roll each other out of there with our to go bags in hand. It was off to see The Dark Night Rises at the Boston Common Loews. (I loved it!) 

Maggiano's Little Italy

4 Columbus Ave

Boston, MA 02116

The food tonight was complimentary, (we paid for alcohol, tax and tip) all opinions are my own. 

Restaurant Week at Pigalle

Restaurant Week: I'm into it. But if you've been reading this blog for a good amount of time you likely already knew that. I procrastinate making reservations until week two, often because it sneaks up on me, and then because I spend the week debating over where I might like to go. Plus, kitchens or servers that might have flustered the first day or two, at this point, usually have it together. The establishments I've had the good fortune of visiting are not overlooking details be that creativity, quality or hospitality. They are putting their best food forward and taking full advantage of the crowds.

At Pigalle the hostess warmly greets us and takes our coats, and at the end of the evening made it a point to ask how the meal was. Her as well as our waiter and the rest of the staff we encounter make us feel right at home without trying too hard. They move swiftly about the tiny dining room, they are all collected and efficient. We begin right away with slices of french bread served in a square tin basket accompanied by a dish of sweet creamy butter that I want to eat with a spoon it's so tasty.

The cocktails all sound superb and I choose one of their originals made with sparking wine, violette, bittermans grapefruit and creole bitters called the Violet Hour ($9). Something about that name is beautiful and serene, as is the drink itself that arrives a flickering purple hue and tastes like a bouquet of flowers. It is entirely different and that's definitely what I'm looking for in a cocktail these days. To whoever created this one, nicely done.

For the first course there are extremely large, crisp and firm Blue Point Oysters heightened by a cucumber and tomato mignonette. They finish with a mild sweetness and a pronounced brininess. Adam's Braised Beef Short Rib French Onion Soup with four cheese gratin was on the other end of the spectrum - richly flavored and hearty. Pigalle offers a number of choices for each course, looking to appease the various appetite cravings induced by March weather. (You know - when it goes from 70 degrees one week to 35 the next.) Tonight it was a pleasant temp somewhere in between the two. The entrée courses came along and gave me a mild case of food envy. I lusted over Adam's Crispy Confit Half Duckling with a parsnip dijon mustard purée, bacon brussels sprouts and and dried cherry glaze. The half duckling still presents a generous portion and I got to steal ample bites. This dish (also on their regular menu) is clearly a Pigalle specialty. (Sorry I didn't get a photo.)My delicately prepared Uni Crusted Tilapia Filet with a miso and saffron potato purée and a sauté of corn, green beans and radishes also proves to be a first rate dish. I was craving lighter seafood fare this evening and the well cooked flaky fish appeased, even though the duck outshines it. I cleaned my plate, only wishing for a little more green beans and radishes along the way. Both dishes have me entirely full, but I manage to make room for the Orange Walnut Profiteroles with marshmallow sauce, Nutella powder semifreddo and strawberries.

This is one of the best restaurant week desserts I can remember. Creative and whimsical, that sticky marshmallow sauce was divine as it pooled over airy puff pastries sandwiching a homemade ice cream with a subtle citrus flavor. The crunchy hazelnut counterpart added by the Nutella semifreddo was equally fantastic.

It was great to finally check out what Chef Marc Orfaly has long been praised for at his chic Theatre District bistro. Somehow I still have not yet paid a visit to his second endeavor in the North End, Marco. That will change soon! I have a feeling his modern Italian fare is just as elevated and inspired as the French cuisine we had pleasure of enjoying tonight.

Pigalle

75 Charles St South

Boston, MA 02116

Avenue One @ Hyatt Regency

Happy July and Happy Friday! Before we get into the month of July, or the Friday lunch, lets flashback to Sunday morning. I attended an event which took place at The Terrace at Avenue One, a lesser known outdoor space housed within the confines of The Hyatt Regency Hotel. This luxury hotel is centrally located at One Avenue de Lafayette where Downtown Crossing meets the Theater District. Despite the Hyatts prime location, I never really knew of its existence or what they offered in terms of dining. We were invited to sample Chef Kelly Armetta's soon-to-be-launched brunch menu for a fixed price of $25 including beverages, tax and gratuity. Beverages ranged from passed smoothies upon arrival, coffee and juice upon taking our seats and later our choice of mimosa or Bloody Mary. The chef welcomed us and enthusiastically spoke about the new menu offerings, placing a strong emphasis on the use of seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Breads are made from scratch, jams are made from locally grown (in his own garden) berries and the cheeses vary each week depending on what is readily available. We were told that Hyatt Hotels nationwide are working towards similar sustainable practices. Please note, The Hyatt does not typically offer their brunch on The Terrace, this was a private event and intended to showcase the Avenue One (located inside the hotel) restaurants brunch menu which will be available starting next month. The Terrace is however open from 5pm on Tuesday through Friday evenings, weather permitting, with live music on Thursdays and Fridays.  The Terrace is also available for booking private and semi private functions. Brunch options ranged from from made-to-order french toast, pancakes and omelets to buffet style eggs Benedict as well as pastries, muffins, fresh fruit platters and more.
I had a satisfying shooter of Muesli with plump raisins and slivers of granny smith apple. The first entree I tried was the Carmelized Onion, Roasted Portabello and Grafton Cheddar Omelet which surprisingly ended up being my favorite! I say surprisingly because I typically prefer a more dressed up Eggs Benedict, but the omelet was served piping hot and offered a simple yet superb combination of sweet onions, savory mushrooms and lots of gooey melted cheese.
The Maine Lobster Eggs Benedict with Toasted Pilgrim Bread, Cobb Bacon and chive Hollandaise was a close second. The fresh well prepared lobster and that bacon cooked over roasted corn cobs was fantastic. The third egg option was a Coddled Egg over Baby Arugula, Prosciutto Crisp, Marcona Almonds and Honey Roasted Stone Fruits. It sounded like a worthy contender but after two doses of eggs I was tempted instead by the Gluten Free Granola. This was accompanied by some All Natural Yogurt and House Made Blackberry Jam. This granola was out of control good and Gluten Free to boot! I thought that was a smart option. The Challah Bread French Toast with Roasted Fruit and Streusel Topping was tasty, but I missed the syrup! No matter how sweet a french toast may be, without syrup I'm totally at a loss! (The chef explained they were not offering syrup as the toppings were sweet enough enjoyed on their own.) Perhaps this was true for the Triple Chocolate Hotcakes with Lake Champlain Chocolate Sauce, Espresso Chocolate Sauce and White Chocolate Butter, but I was too full to eat hotcakes at that point. I took serious advantage of the offerings and I.was.stuffed.The Terrace at Avenue One is more of an unknown destination rather than a well kept secret! There is little buzz about this outdoor oasis that looks to cater to those seeking an after work cocktail, a pre theater bite or a simple respite from the indoor scene. The new Avenue One Brunch menu aspires to satisfy everyone from the health conscious to the local Bostonians looking to indulge and the travel weary seeking comfort.

Avenue One @ Hyatt Regency

One Avenue de Lafayette

Boston, MA 02111

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