Sunday, November 14, 2010

East Coast Grill | Inman Square

East Coast Grill gives a whole new meaning to Sunday brunch. I am quite confident the 24 bloggers who gathered in the private bamboo walled back room lined with a bright teal booth and huge tiki masks, would agree. The netted ceiling, tropical volcano mural and seashell lights also set the scene. East Coast Grill's staff and kitchen stuffed us, spoiled us, and brought the spice with four incredibly unique appetizers and one intense entrĂ©e of our choice all at a fixed price of $25 including tax and tip. The family style appetizers were served one at a time. First up were the Fried Sweet Plantains with Queso Fresco, banana and guava ketchup.
This was my first time eating plantains! The sweet banana relative has a very similar flavor, as you might expect. The fried exterior adds firmness and crunch. What an excellent dish to kick off the meal. I'm definitely a fan of plantains now. Next up: Sweet Potato Fries with House Inner Beauty Hot Sauce. Muy Caliente! That Inner Beauty Hot Sauce is something else. A fantastic heat gives big flavors to the thick cut crispy sweet potato fries. It also enhances the smoked pork stuffed bananas in the Banana Rellena. The pickled jalapenos on the side kicked up the heat another notch. A notable variety of textures with flavors lending smokey, sweet and spicy prove this appetizer to be the true standout. Out next comes the Monteray Jack Grits with molasses glazed grilled banana, grilled pineapple, jalapenos, toasted pecans and crispy smoked bacon.These were creamy and cheesy, warm and comforting, enhanced by all that sat within them, especially the smokey bacon. The ECG offered a choice of the following three entrees: The Smoked Pork Tostada (above) received rave reviews around the table. I chose the Yucatan Breakfast Platter. Good old fashioned cheesy scrambled eggs over a pool of salsa roija came with fluffy white rice and black beans, more of those incredible sweet fried plantains, a mango-pepper-hearts of palm salad, and a warm flour tortilla.  So many elements on one plate made for a fun and filling meal.
Our waiter Arthur was a hoot. His quick whited humor and ability to tell a story to his guests without lingering was just as welcome as the company I dined with. He (as well as other members of the wait-staff) were on point with water and coffee refills throughout the duration of our lively brunch. His thank you speech at the end of brunch and kind gesture letting us know to call on them for whatever we might need in the future was thoughtful and appreciated.
Boston Brunchers - it was wonderful, as usual, to see all your smiling faces this morning. East Coast Grill - the whole 25 of us were lucky to have such a filling and delicious meal at your bustling, bright and friendly establishment. And Renee - thanks for organizing another flawless brunch, you rock!

1271 Cambridge St
Cambridge, MA

22 comments:

  1. What a unique brunch menu! I especially love all those plantains - yum! I still haven't checked out ECG and really need to :)

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  2. Great recap! It was great to see you. I can't believe you've never had plantains before.

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  3. Good grief! You had me at plantains, but the banana rellena sounds like it was absolutely delectable. I must try!

    xoxo,
    Carrie

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  4. Great review - I love how everyone's perspective is slightly different (and also how I look like a crazy photo taker in all you photos!) It was nice to meet you!

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  5. Smoked pork stuffed bananas need to get in my belly now!

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  6. Sounds very exotic! Most of the food looked unfamiliar and a lot of them I'd never even heard of. How interesting! I'd love to try.

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  7. Wow, everything looks so different and delicious! Sounds like a ton of fun!

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  8. What a fun time!! And that banana? How cool!!

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  9. I love the shots of everyone taking photos! Perfect! Sounds like an amazing meal! Great props ECG!

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  10. What a spread! Everything looks delicious. Glad you had a great time, Hun!

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  11. So nice seeing you again!! I had an awesome time at brunch yesterday and can't wait for other fun blogger events in the future!

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  12. what a fun brunch! i feel like even though you are back from vacation your taste buds have not left the tropics. festive tropical drinks, local eateries that resemble island spots! i guess the 60 degree temps lately make it hard to get into boston winter comfort food! :)

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  13. what a great brunch menu, looks like they had quite the variety of yummy food

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  14. Why don't I live closer to Boston? This place looks amazing! The sweet potato fries and that pork tostada are making my mouth water. What a fun event! Sounds like you had a great weekend.

    xo
    Valerie

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  15. Wow, what a great looking brunch. How have I never even heard of this place and I'm from Boston! It sounds delicious. I'll add it to my list of places to try! :)

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  16. I have one of those little plastic elephants in a jewelry box from the 2nd time Jeff and I went to ECG (we had beer the first time). :)

    I'm shocked at how much food you guys got for only $25. Sounds like an incredible brunch! Wish I had been in town for it.

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  17. Hi Daisy (I mean Kristen lol)...great seeing you on Sunday - I forgot to tell you but I really liked your houndstooth coat :)

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  18. I loved the brunch and it was great having our walk/T ride home afterwards!

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  19. Gosh, I wish I was there for this one! food looks awesome...what a great blogity blog world it is!! lucky you xoxo

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  20. yummy- that food looks really good and unique! i may need to try.

    thanks for the photo tip! :)

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  21. i can't believe i was witness to your very first plantain experience. how. very. poignant. :) the food looks amazing under the sunlight. such an amazing brunch to come together at; your post definitely does it justice.

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