Loretta's Last Call

Loretta's Last Call has been a solid addition to the Fenway neighborhood since its opening in June 2014. Offering country music lovers an authentic experience; if you're like me, chances are you've been in on one or two occasions for live music or mason jar moonshine cocktails after a Red Sox game. Cowboy boots on, jamming out to a honky-tonk band in front of the raised stage earlier this year, I sent a snapchat to my ladies with a caption "Takes me back to Nashville!". 

Similarly, the interior is evocative of a country saloon with open hardwood floors space for boot scootin', wagon wheel light fixtures, neon bulb signage, an antique jukebox and walls lined with vintage country music paraphernalia. 

It had not crossed my mind to try the food at Loretta's until they invited me in for dinner. On a Tuesday night while most of the bar partakes in a free two step lesson, my sister and I sip cold beers while noshing on all things fried, tucked into one of the black vinyl booths with an up close vantage point of the dance floor. 

Loretta's will satisfy a craving for Fried Pickles ($8), these slices are served piping hot and golden crispy in a mini cast iron pan alongside small bites of fried jalapenos, pickled okra and a chili remoulade. 

We couldn't pass up fried chicken - a true testament to Southern cuisine. Both the Buttermilk ($15) and the Hot Chicken ($16) were enjoyable renditions, although the batter was heavier and thicker than some of my favorite versions down south. Still the skin remained crispy and the meat itself was tender and juicy. The Hot Chicken came with white bread and pickles to cut the heat from the deliciously spicy cajun rub. For me, it was the perfect amount of heat that kept me going back for more instead of reaching for my water glass in between every bite. They have traditional sides to choose from - the Collard Greens and Loaded Mash are both tasty and full of flavor.

Their draft list is small and non-exciting and the aforementioned moonshine cocktails that I've tried in the past were not calling my name tonight. The bottled and caned beers are where it's at, from a robust selection I was excited to see Lone Star ($5) offered. (More southern nostalgia, this time for Austin, TX!) I also drank a 21st Amendment Fireside Chat - a seasonal winter warmer full of festive spices. 

Last but not least, I was enamored with their off menu Bacon Waffle Sundae and appreciated that the waitress made sure to tell us about it at the beginning of the meal. A sturdy and crisp on the outside, fluffy an bacon loaded on the inside waffle is capped with a dreamy house made maple ice cream, a drizzle of maple syrup and heaps of fresh whipped cream. This sundae is destination worthy! 

Loretta's Last Call

1 Lansdowne Street

Boston, MA 02215

this meal was complimentary, all opinions are my own

The Brahmin

Restaurants and lounges are opening like wildfire in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood. Take for example the property on Stanhope Street which has undergone a complete overhaul in the last year to welcome a trifecta of upscale establishments. The latest to open its Brownstone framed doors, serving affordable American cuisine in an atmosphere evoking classic old world elegance is The Brahmin. I joined Meghan, Emily, Megan and Amy two Sunday evenings ago where we took full advantage of the nice weather, opting to dine on the patio. Our waitress possessed a good grasp of the menu offerings and delivered timely service throughout. We ordered a number of small plates which she had expedited in stages, setting a relaxed pace for the meal instead of an overwhelming rapid fire of dishes. We were elated to see Fried Pickles ($5) on the menu, these crave-able discs were delicately fried and accompanied by a sweet pepper sauce. Akin to the fried pickles, a menu listing of Tater Tots ($6) always warrant attention. What this batch lacked in seasoning they made up for with a trio of dipping sauces including truffled ketchup, garlic aioli, and grainy mustard. We balanced the hot crispy bites with a light Arugula Salad ($6) consisting of goat cheese, fresh apples and prosciutto in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Peppery, creamy, sweet and salty, this simple salad was a delight. Even more delightful was the Potato and Roasted Onion Fritatta ($3.50) for the combined facts that we ordered it whim, it only cost three dollars and fifty cents and its deliciousness took us by complete surprise.A thick wedge of fluffy eggs loaded with potatoes and onions was reminiscent of the Tortilla de Patatas I ate in Spain! The Brahmin's version was elevated by fresh scallions and a diced red and yellow pepper salsa that embodied a remarkably refreshing sweetness.From the sea, an order of Grilled Prawns ($8) were nicely prepared in a smokey chipotle rub, and the Tuna Two Ways ($10) presented an ordinary tartare and seared slices of the fish creatively paired with rectangles of juicy watermelon. A beautiful platter of Seasonal Tomatoes ($7) with baby mozzarella, cold press oil, smoked sea salt and micro greens clung to summer while a hearty Beef Short Rib ($11) with cauliflower parsnip puree and pickled shallots marched towards fall. I thoroughly enjoyed both. Rounding out the dishes was a plate of nicely charred Grilled White Asparagus ($5) wrapped in serrano ham with a luscious lemon sauce and another one of those too-good-to-pass-up elevated comforts, Truffle Mac & Cheese ($7). I briefly wandered inside at the end of our meal. The swanky interior evokes a turn-of-the-century vibe. Flickering candles and ornate chandeliers illuminate the deep maroon and brown toned décor. Tufted leather couches are set against exposed brick walls displaying canvas portraits.

It feels destined to become a Back Bay hot spot. Next time I'd venture in to enjoy a creative cocktail at the wrap around copper top bar. This time around I was content to sip on a glass of Sparkling Pinot Noir and soak up the Indian summer weather on the patio. Dining al fresco and sharing dishes is a common theme when these ladies and I step out together. The Brahmin has a well rounded menu providing a tasty experience that was all too easy on our wallets.

The Brahmin

33 Stanhope St

Boston, MA 02116

The Island Cow

Vacation is invigorating.

Exhibit 1: Tan faces and huge smiles on display at the condo before heading out to dinner one evening.
Exhibit 2: Dining out with a fun party of ten at a relaxing, casual restaurant called The Island Cow.
They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner in a lively and friendly atmosphere, encouraging you to "come as you are". Straight from the beach, showered with a couple drinks in you, children in tow; the staff here accommodate all types of crowds with ease. They were patient as members of our party staggered in at different times, seating folks and taking drink orders before everyone arrived. Our waitress asked who would be needing separate checks, and I was pleasantly surprised that she offered before we even had to ask. It was also comforting to know at the end of a big meal we wouldn't have to spend more time dividing up the bill.Other memorable touches at The Island Cow included $1.99 Coronas, cups full of crayons and a plate full of blueberry, cranberry and corn muffins to snack on.
Adam and I shared an appetizer and an entree, beginning with the Buffalo Shrimp ($9.99) Finger lick'in Gulf Shrimp - wow spicy! We passed the basket around the table - the portion was plentiful and the sauce was spicy without overpowering the fresh crispy battered shrimp. Another app of Frickles ($5.99) A heap'in helping of fried pickles was passed around.I definitely could have eaten a whole basket of these. A must order when they dine here, Tricia's cousin Karen commented. I concur!
Our dinner was fantastic. And reasonably priced too! Cowrazy Kabobs ($17.99) Over 1 lb. of skewered satisfaction. Gulf pink shrimp, tender cuts of steak, bacon wrapped bay scallops, bell peppers, sweet onions, all flame grilled. Served with sweet corn and smashed red bliss potatoes. Inside you'll find white walls collaged with framed photographs of the island and a plethora of cow-themed decor. Worn wooden booths line the perimeter and pastel blue, yellow and pink chairs surround the tables nestled into the center of the restaurant. Outdoor dining is offered on the front porch flanked by green vegetation and shell lined paths. Guests may choose to relax with a drink at the bar, or outside where colorful Adirondack chairs are set up about the grounds.
Serving up "Udderly Great Food" at reasonable prices in a bright and colorful atmosphere that is bustling with positive island energy; another solid spot to dine at on a Sanibel vacation discovered!