The Black Dog | Vineyard Haven

During a brief stop in Vineyard Haven before heading out to Menemsha we decided on an early lunch at The Black Dog Tavern.

The restaurant opens for breakfast and then closes from 11 am-12 pm. We had just missed the last seating. Since we had our bags in tow and did not feel like heading elsewhere we decided to put our names in and wait it out on the pretty harbor beach above. Turns out it was well worth the wait! An overflowing mug of seriously good Quahog Chowder ($6) with house made croutons alongside a crisp, refreshing, cheers-to-our-first-day-on-island Bloody Mary and I am in MV heaven! Following the chowder I enjoyed a terrific Blackened Swordfish Sandwich ($17). The Black Dog is synonymous with the Vineyard and while I hadn't been since I was a kid and often thought of it as being super touristy - the food, service and atmosphere all stack up. 

The Black Dog Tavern 

21 Beach Street Extension

Vineyard Haven, MA

Ocean Prime

I want to say this was one of the most indulgent meals I've had in along time - but that would only be half true. Last week was a whirlwind of spontaneity out and about the city. First came the sushi bar at Super Fusion in Watertown - one of our favorites which never fails to impress. We had double toro maki and a caterpillar maki, alongside carafes of hot sake, edamame and more. Second, after a night at Hotel Envoy's Lookout (the new see and be seen rooftop bar) a visit to Dumpling Cafe in Chinatown where we enjoyed crab rangoon, a heaping plate of mango chicken, ice cold Sapporo, and loads of the pork and vegetable dumplings that made them a citywide craze. So So GOOD.

And third this week came Ocean Prime, the Seaports newest upscale chain. This Steakhouse is swanky and sophisticated with an extensive wine room. We go all out, I'm talking east and west coast Oysters on the half shell ($19) followed by an exceptional Ahi Tuna Tartare ($18) and a ridiculous Point Judith Calamari ($16) tossed with sweet chili sauce and cashews - for no other reason than it's Thursday and we've had a great week, why stop now! 

Traditional cocktails accompany our indulgent first courses - a Dirty Martini with bleu cheese stuffed olives and their own Manhattan ($15) that adds Rosemary Grapefruit Peppercorn bitters! 

My 8 oz Filet Mignon ($41) and Bob's 12 oz Bone in Filet ($50) are executed medium rare with a warm, pink center. Both are expertly seasoned, tender and juicy. To accessorize our steaks we order Black Truffle Butter ($6) which is a very good call. Our a la carte sides of Whipped Mashed Potatoes ($9) and Asparagus with Hollandaise ($11) are flawless. We perused the lengthy wine list for quite sometime and decided on an Argyle Pinot Noir ($65) from Willamette Valley, Oregon. (We visited their tasting room last October - it's always fun to pick a wine that brings back good memories!) Finally, there was Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie ($11) with fluffy peanut butter mouse and decadent bittersweet chocolate ganache . You definitely can't end a meal like this without dessert.

Ocean Prime

140 Seaport Boulevard

Boston, MA 02210

*this meal was complimentary, all opinions are my own*

Aragosta | Battery Wharf Hotel

I have been to Aragosta a number of times since they opened in 2011; for media and blogger sponsored events, a ladies night at the chefs counter, and with out of town family to dine on the picturesque waterfront terrace. Located off the North End tourist path on Battery Wharf, I think they struggle to keep themselves on the radar year after year. The Battery Wharf Hotel is no longer a Fairmont Property and I am not sure if this changes anything. I know the chefs experienced a turnover since last time I was here.

The terrace is the real draw but it was not open on this particular visit, so we're seated in a cozy both in the back corner of the near empty hotel restaurant. I still feel like the interior might be in need of a facelift, especially compared to the sleekly attractive bar and lounge area which draws more clientele at this (7pm) hour. Our waiter is genuine and offers polished, prompt service throughout. 

We each start with a Bacon Old Fashioned ($13) - smokey and sweet, it is an admirable rendition. The only thing missing is a bacon garnish! 

The Buratta ($12) appetizer comes alongside delicate orange slices, golden beets and fig jam. The unexpected yet welcome pairings with the small pouch of cool, creamy cheese is a nice start to the meal. 

Aragosta is Italian for lobster and doing the namesake proud is the Lobster Bisque ($14). The show stopping broth is velvety, balanced and brilliantly flavored, poured tableside over a cluster of tender shucked meat with a dollop of crème fresh and cracked pepper. 

What doesn't entirely work is my Lobster Ravioli ($42). Hefty claws and large tails of butter poached Maine lobster are overwhelmed by a chunky fra diavolo-esque red sauce. Completely coating all that gorgeous lobster meat seems like a mistake. 

The Short Rib ($34) was outshined by the accompanying Lobster Smashed Potatoes (a side is $14) and nicely cooked spinach and asparagus. It wasn't a memorable dish otherwise. 

New restaurant openings in Boston are frequent and the competition is steep. I am not sure the entire menu is focused and compelling enough to keep locals coming back, but Aragosta is certainly a major draw for hotel guests. Strolling along the harborwalk with my Mom and sister a couple weeks later the patio is back in business, a busy scene during the late lunch hour; I'm happy to see them doing well!

Aragosta Bar & Bistro
3 Battery Wharf

Boston, MA 02109

 *this meal was complimentary, all opinions are my own*

Legal Harborside x Norwegian Skrei

Prior to this meal at Legal Harborside I had never heard of Skrei (pronounced skray) which is ultra-premium specialty Norwegian Cod fish. Cherished in culinary circles and among renowned chefs for its beautiful white meat, delicate flake, and extraordinary flavor; Skrei is sustainably fished and only available for a few months each year. In pursuit of this sought-after catch, Norwegian fishermen brave ferocious seas on the darkest and coldest January nights when the cod are migrating south from their feeding grounds in the Barents Sea towards the coast of Norway. 

Hosting us in their luxe second floor dining room, Legal Harborside started the meal with a delicate bread platter, cotuit and rhode island oysters, and jumbo shrimp cocktail served in an ice-egg! For the main event the Skrei was pan roasted and brilliantly showcased alongside bacon lardon, leeks and golden russet apples, fused by a smoked mussel chowder which was poured tableside. As a result of crossing through the cold arctic waters the cod fish is elegant and silky with firm flakes and an exceptionally clean taste. 

A sweet ending to the meal was a brûléed chocolate banana tart with coconut gelato, chocolate sauce and toasted coconut anglaise. We also enjoyed a whimsical citrus flight with lemon sponge pudding, avocado key lime tart, a grapefruit gateau and blood orange sorbet.

It is always nice to come away from a tasting having learned something new. This was a dinner that felt personal and not overly hyped, accompanied by a terrific menu and flawless service. With a folder of well designed information waiting at the table it was genuinely so nice to have an intimate meal minus the full court press.

 Legal Harborside - Floor 2
270 Northern Avenue
Liberty Wharf
Boston, MA 02210 

city round-up | Tamo, Stoddard's, West Bridge

 A look at where I've been sipping and grazing as of late.

TAMO | Seaport District

Recently I attended a new menu preview at Tamo in the Seaport Hotel. Guests can enjoy cuisine and libations at the contemporary bar or on comfy living room couches with waterfront views through the lofty floor to ceiling windows. Tamo is a perfect spot to pop in and relax if you find yourself in the Seaport District. We stayed well into the evening enjoying many appetizers, glasses of wine, port and delicious desserts. 

My favorites included:

Fire Tini | fire puncher jalapeno vodka, atsby vermouth, olive brine. 

BBQ Roll | tempura fried California roll topped with BBQ eel. 

TAMO Crisps | green thumb farms potatoes, roasted garlic, goat cheese, herbs

Prosciutto Meatballs | marinara and mozzarella

Crispy Chinese Eggplant & Calamari | salt ‘n pepper, hot peppers

Stoddard's | Ladder District, Downtown Crossing

A post long-workday watering hole - Stoddard's Fine Food & Ale exudes a classic historical opulence with pressed tin ceilings and antique gadgets on display. At the the mighty, hand-carved bar enjoy cocktails, a huge selection of beer on draft, and maybe some hors d'oeuvres...

Deviled Eggs

Whiskey #4 | rye, melleti amaro, orange, cassis, bitters

Warm Pretzels | Dijon mustard

West Bridge | Kendall Square

The kitchen at West Bridge in Kendall Square links sophisticated French cooking with New England comforts. The cocktail program is excellent, as well. A couple must orders:

Egg in a Jar | duck egg, hen of the woods mushrooms, pomme puree, crisp skin

Heatwave | mezcal, averna, ginger, lime, jalapeno. 

An End to Feral Days | aged cachaca, amaro, sherry, bitters.