Parla | North End

Parla is a hip new addition to the North End. Located among the mainstays on Hanover Street it is tiny and tucked away with a cozy bar in the back, pressed tin ceilings overhead and vintage artwork lending a 1920's vibe. The signage is displayed on the interior, illuminating the space with retro neon bulbs adding to the speakeasy-eqsue ambiance. (Pretty sure it has been flying under the radar since it opened in April.) My visit was way back in May with some of the first friends I met through blogging. This was one of those lovely catch up and share everything dinners - with the always present bottle of bubbly rose, crowd pleasing appetizers, refined cocktails and dressed up versions of classic pasta dishes. It was nice to reconnect while discovering splendid new offerings in a neighborhood we all love. 

Cocktail | Sacco & Vanzetti - rye, blackberries, peychaud bitters
Small Plates | Wild Boar Meatballs and Braised Oxtail Arancini
Antipasti |  Buratta Fritta - eggplant caponata, balsamic reduction, red pepper puree
 Pasti | Lobster & Uni Ravioli - homemade ricotta, lemon cream, diced tomatoes, fava beans, garden peas
Squid Ink Gnocchi - wild boar ragu, basil, parmesan, garlic bread puree.    
Quail Egg Carbonara - panchetta and spinach

Bin 26 Enoteca

A sophisticated and cozy wine bar in Beacon Hill, Bin 26 Enoteca charms in every instance. From the cork coat rack that greets you upon arrival, to the vast decoupaged label wall and stalactite bottle ceilings, it begins but certainly does not end with the atmosphere. There's the eclectic, geeky wine list, a loose leaf binder organized by grape variety with nearly 200 wines by the bottle and 60 by the glass. The tremendous wines are matched by delicately prepared Italian plates and knowledgeable, friendly staff. 

My expert wine tasting companion and sommelier friend Amy put it best when she stated it left us wanting for nothing. [I had originally linked to her post for the outstanding write up on the wines we drank - but alas I believe that her blog no longer exists!]

We enjoyed first some Saffron Risotto Balls ($9) followed by appetizers, a fresh and filling Spring Arugula Salad ($12) with asparagus, snap peas, orange and shaved pecorino and an excellent Octopus Carpaccio ($14) with grilled native baby fennel, fried capers and olives. It is no wonder Bin 26 has prospered with high praise on Charles Street for nearly 5 years now; a night at their wine bar aims to be a good one, I am glad to have paid them a visit. 

Bin 26 Enoteca

26 Charles Street

Boston, MA 02114

101st Annual Fisherman's Feast

Summer time in the North End is marked by a slew of weekend long festivals embracing years of Italian tradition. The 101st annual Fisherman's Feast honoring Madonna Del Soccorso (Our Lady of Help) took place on August 18th through 21st. During this poignant four day long celebration, North and Fleet Streets are closed down prohibiting motor vehicle traffic. In other words, the party outside my door step is non stop. Pedestrians flock, the smells of sausage and fried dough waft through the air, carnival games and red white and green vendor booths line the streets, all the while various bands take the stage playing music loudly from 11 am - 11 pm. I embrace the feast, as its name rightly infers, by indulging in all the things. This year happened to include deep fried oreos and ice cream filled cannoli. Since I know you're curious, here's an at home close up of the powdered sugar topped, fried dough stuffed oreo. Unreal. They came six to a bag, much to my absolute shock. (I ordered "one" and he starts to pile them in a bag...um.)Of course, the usual Arancini or two were not to be missed. And since photo shoots ensued last year in epic proportions this year, as you most likely already gathered, I decided to let Instagram capture the scene. Bright lights twinkle against brick facades, carney booths explode with colorful items to be won, Italians shout joyfully amongst one another while locals and tourists meander in the beer gardens and dance in front of the bandstand. It was a heck of a celebration, as usual. Until next year....

Galleria Umberto

If you're new to the blog, the Summer Lunch Series debuted last year when I decided my Fridays off would be dedicated to lunching in the city. I have every Friday from June through August off thanks to "flex time" a program offered by my employer where I opt to work four-ten hour days instead of five-eight hour days. It's a change of pace that I look forward to every summer. SLS 2.0 commenced this past Friday at a North End pizzeria that neither Adam or I had ever been to despite living in the neighborhood for three years. That has largely to do with their lunchtime only hours: 11 am - 2:30 pm (or until they run out of food) and the fact that for a long while we never even knew this place existed, regardless of its location directly on Hanover Street. We entered through an industrial garage door stepping into an airy space with high ceilings and up to a long line of patrons. I was immediately charmed by the old school, seemingly authentic, no frills atmosphere. Plain Jane wooden tables and chairs offer casual cafeteria style dining. Frames evenly spaced along the wall on one side boast faded photographs of Italian cities. The opposite side reveals an alcove where dueling painted wall murals highlight a large scale map of Italy and what appears to be a scene inside The Colosseum. Random décor flanks the wall including a cornucopia of flowers and a vertical row of plates with Italian landscapes.The line moved faster than expected, ten minutes, tops! Counter service is prompt and friendly, dictated by a small menu of Italian specialties, the highlight of which is their Sicilian style pizza by the slice. One can also choose from calzones, arancini, panini and drinks including soda, beer and wine.I didn't even know such low prices were possible in this day and age. I think they've been the same since they opened in 1975 (kidding) but at they very least, I bet the same menu boards have been hanging behind the counter. Galleria Umberto accepts cash only. Their Sicilian Pizza ($1.45) is a basic preparation, in other words don't expect an array of toppings from which to choose, what you see is what you get! A thick hearty crust is both chewy and crispy, the tomato sauce is sweet, flavorful and doesn't overwhelm. The cheese is thick and bubbly, fairly greasy and deeply browned, blanketing the square slice that comes straight from the oven to your plate. It was absolutely phenomenal, some of the best pizza around for sure. Adam and I both raved endlessly while admitting how ashamed we were for being locals and waiting all this time to come here. Galleria Umberto's Arancini ($2.75) is a traditional Italian favorite. Being no stranger to these deep fried rice balls (a North End festival staple) we ordered one to split. The delightfully crispy exterior reveals a layer of fluffy yet compact white risotto encasing a stuffing of ground beef and peas ever so subtly coated in red sauce. The meat and peas mingle while a heaping portion of thick gooey mozzarella cheese cascades over the top. Arguably some of the best Arancini around, this and the pizza are even better when washed down by a cold, refreshing Miller Lite ($2.75).You couldn't find a less expensive option for the harmonious pairing that is a slice of pizza and a beer around here if you tried. Lunch cost us $12 in total, that's it!  The line out the door may seem daunting, but I felt the short wait was easily worth our time.Kicking off a summer of lunchtime adventures, a Sicilian pizza haven with mid-day only hours proved Galleria Umberto Rosticceria was the perfect choice to celebrate the meal du jour.

Galleria Umberto

289 Hanover Street

Boston, MA 02113

B&G Oysters | South End

It's Restaurant Week in Boston! Love it or hate it, you all know the drill; the infamous $33.11 prix fix menu exclusive of tax, tip and beverages sees the masses flocking to upscale neighborhood restaurants to get their fill of three course lunches and dinners.

I'm little late this go round as we're almost through week number two! B&G Oysters of Barbara Lynch Grouppo infamy is a tiny subterranean spot on the corner of Tremont and Waltham Streets in the South End; showcasing true to Barbara Lynch form - classic New England Seafood in a polished modern atmosphere. A white marble bar surrounds an energetic open kitchen flanked by polished high tops and funky gold vinyl booths. We sat tucked in a corner nook with front row seats of the open kitchen; witness to a constant out pour of simple yet stunning seafood plates and a vibrant scene of waitresses weaving swiftly through the small space. To start, a glass of vino. I chose the Loimer Grüner Veltliner ($12) a wine bottled especially for B&G Oysters each year. We started with a couple oyster each - Malpeque from PEI and Mayflower Point from Dennisport.

The Malpeque was plump and silky with a milder saltiness, heavier sweetness, and a clean sweet finish. The Mayflower Point was saltier than the latter with an overall medium brine and clean crisp finish.

I wished I could sample the whole index card full, but at $2.75 a pop, these salty gems make a fast easy dent in your wallet. Plus, we had an entire three course meal to dive into!

Adam started with the Clam Chowder served with spicy croutons and lardoons. I sampled a few bites, the broth lent a balanced consistency with permeating flavors of the sea and ample chunks of clam. In short, an excellent clam chowder.

My Lobster Arancini offered four deliciously crispy fried rice balls seasoned with chervil over avocado creme fraiche. Neither of us could pass up the Moules Frites for our entrée. We decided on a whole plate of mussels each, that's just how it was going down. An impressive portion of both moules and frites graced us, piping hot with ringlets of shallots laced throughout the mussel shells and an abundant display of parsley on top.

Adam loved the mussels instantly, but I wasn't completely enamored. They were large and plump, but at times were lacking in flavor since they weren't really soaking what little creamy white wine broth was in that shallow bowl. They weren't bad, they just weren't blow-me-away-good.  The frites were excellent and addictive, with bright green specks of parsley clinging to crispy, salty strands. 

We were offered coffee with dessert - they serve high quality Illy. 

Our plan of attack was to share one of each. The Brown Butter Panna Cotta with its caramelized banana and candied almonds stole the show. That's not to underestimate the Chocolate Cake with peanut butter mousse and peanut brittle as this was a commendable dessert. Our meal was flawlessly paced, lasting about 2 hours in total. We lingered in between courses but never for too long. Our waitress had an interesting disposition about her, as she was not outwardly warm or friendly, but had a more subdued quality in her approach - nice without forcing the charm.

B&G Oysters runs like a well oiled machine. While restaurant week for the most part holds up its end of the bargain, there is no need to wait for a special occasion prix fix menu to enjoy this South End neighborhood gem. I'd be content to sip Grüner and slurp oysters at the bar any night of any week.

B&G Oysters

550 Tremont Street

Boston, MA 02116