Red Cat Kitchen @ Ken'n'Beck | Oak Bluffs

Our night on Martha's Vineyard celebrating Alex's 30th Birthday was one for the books. The Red Cat Kitchen at Ken'n'Beck came highly recommended for dinner. We decided to partake in the Chef's Whim Tasting - which is strictly for folks with zero food aversions or food allergies. The entire table must agree to participate and decide on a number of courses (we chose four). Chef-owner Ben Deforest calls it The Wild Ride.

Lobster Bisque | the late great Stew Rounsville's recipe

Island Smoked Bluefish | baby heirloom tomato salad with grilled bread, preserved lemon and extra virgin olive oil

Tempura Salmon | sweet corn risotto, watermelon, cucumber & feta salad

Grilled Porterhouse | fennel ver jus, whipped sweet potatoes & grilled asparagus

Cocktails: Basil Gimlet and Sazeracs

This was unanimously one of the best meals we've had in a long time. And that was perhaps some of the best lobster bisque I've had, ever. Every course was special - well thought out, creative and perfectly executed. The vibe of this tiny spot with low lighting, chill music, and eclectic artwork from local artists can't be beat! 

Red Cat Kitchen

14 Kennebec Ave

Oak Bluffs, MA 02557

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*

Eventide Oyster Co. | Portland, Maine

 The coastal city of Portland, Maine has been on my bucket list for quite a few years now. Someone is always talking about how they spent a nice little weekend get-away, how lovely it is, the many breweries they toured and how good those fries at Duckfat are.  

 Our visit to Portland was midweek, sandwiched in between some relaxing days with Bob's family at their house in New Hampshire on Lake Winnipesauke and a wild outdoorsy weekend further North in the Sunday River area with friends. 

We booked the Hampton Inn Downtown on Fore Street which is connected to the Sebago Brewing Company and nestled in the Old Port District; the quaint brick and cobblestone lined harbor front street scene that you want to be a part of. The hotel was convenient and hassle free, we enjoyed our stay. We were pleasantly surprised to discover that it also sits directly in front of the restaurant on the very top of the Portland-can't-miss-list, Eventide Oyster Company. 

Our date night at Eventide was a vacation highlight. Around 9 pm on a Wednesday we waited in front of the majestic oyster display no more than 20 minutes for our seats; sipping our respective go-tos with an Eventide twist. A Dirty Dirty (vodka - olive brine - oyster brine - hot sauce) for her and an ET Manhattan (Eagle Rare - Doulin rouge sweet - warm spice) for him. We spent the rest of the evening tucked in an intimate corner of the wide granite bar underneath the neatly composed and brightly colored chalkboard menu.  

Our bartender was fantastic, fitting the bill of super friendly while remaining unobtrusive, makes an excellent cocktail and knows her oysters! We familiarized ourselves with the Maine oysters first and then chose some from far away to ensure solid variety. Additionally, we took our pick of from the intriguing list of accoutrements - the kimchee ice and cucumber ginger mignonette were both refreshing.

Winterpoint Selects (Maine) | Glidden Point (Maine)  

Beau Soliel (New Brunswick) | Kumamoto (Washington)

The Green Mimosa ($9) with celery, bubbles and Berg & Hauck's celery bitters offered a delicate and refreshing pairing with those briny bivalves. A Kentucky Cyclist ($9) is not listed on the current menu but I can assure you it was good and it had bourbon, Bob drank two. Not to be outpaced, my final cocktail of the evening was a Fernet Sour ($9) featuring Fernet Branca with angostura bitters, lime and soda.

Other delights included the Fried Oyster Bun ($7) with tartar and pickles, Mackerel Crudo ($8) with egg yolk, Corn on the Cob ($5) smothered in a phenomenal peanut aioli, and one amazing Lobster Stew ($13). The velvety, creamy, not-too-thick stew rich in complex sherry and paprika flavors with plenty of tender lobster chunks would be my top recommendation! (Truly, everything was terrific - I get the sense this is one of those menus where you can't make a wrong move.)

Pristine shellfish, a creative take on classic New England seafood dishes, cocktails that make you want to linger long into the evening and a fresh, inviting atmosphere, Eventide rightfully earns that spot at the top of the list. A must visit in Portland!

Eventide Oyster Co.

86 Middle Street

Portland, Maine

[Sorry about the photo quality here. When I don't bring the Canon Rebel to meals this exceptional, I always end up feeling slightly disappointed after the fact. In the moment I am content to enjoy the experience and company that much more - but then end up taking a few bad pictures on my phone anyways! Thank goodness for that.]

More Portland snapshots and recommends coming!

The Terrace @ Aragosta

I hope everyone had wonderful Memorial Day Weekend! Mine was pretty tame and thankfully felt as long as it was. There was some major relaxation happening (spa day + reading in the park) coupled with some amazing eats (Backyard BBQ, dinner at Citizen Public House) but best of all here in New England we were finally able to welcome summer weather. On Wednesday evening I visited one of Boston's newest waterfront dining destinations, Aragosta Bar & Bistro located in The Fairmont Battery Wharf. Aragosta replaces the former hotel restaurant Sensing, completely revitalizing the outdoor space with tables overlooking picturesque Boston Harbor and plush couches surrounding cozy firepits. Deep brown wicker patio furniture combined with rust colored umbrellas and fabrics set the scene as bloggers trickled into a private tasting of Chef David Daniels contemporary Italian cuisine and specialty Italian themed cocktails. Making a lasting first impression is an especially inventive cocktail, starting off sweet and finishing with a punch the Yellow Pepper Limoncello Sour pairs the classic Italian liquor with vodka, agave nectar, lemon juice and fresh chive. Also up for sampling was their well poured Moscow Mule starring Grey Goose with pureed ginger, freshly squeezed lime juice and club soda. More traditional is the Mule, great for those who can appreciate a strong bite from the fresh ginger. Platters of Hand Crafted Salumi, Caponata, Hot Cherry Peppers & Crusty Bread were waiting for us upon arrival, along with some loaves of soft and chewy bread accompanied by olives in olive oil.Shortly after the Tartufo Fries cooked in duck fat and truffle oil swept us off our feet. The Lobster & Truffle Crostini with a white bean puree is definitely an appetizer I would recommend, boasting thick chunks of succulent lobster accented by luxurious earthy truffle in every bite. The sweet velvety Lobster Bisque was inviting and comforting even when sipped on a warm summer evening.

Aragosta is Italian for lobster after all!

The Sautéed Calamari Salad served with baby arugula, San Marzano tomato, balsamic and an olive tapenade would be an excellent start to a summer meal, the variety of flavors in this dish highlighting the cool toothsome squid. Our waitress was more than happy to take additional drink orders so a few of us chose the intriguing Settana Cinque described on the menu as the Italian version of the French 75; a cocktail that hits with remarkable precision. It combines Aperol liquor shaken with freshly squeezed lemon juice and prosecco.Once the appetizer bites were through plate after plate of small entrée portions were delivered. We ooed and aahed our way through the delectable homemade pasta courses and stuffed ourselves even more with a heartier New England seafood dish and a Pork entrée after that. I could not believe how much food we tasted! Pappardelle Bolognese // Veal Cheek & Ox Tail Ragu, Porcini Powder. The thick coils of pappardelle pasta were exquisite, the flavorful ragu of shredded veal cheek and ox tail accompanied a melty hunk of brie cheese. This felt like a winter time entrée to me, probably because I always crave a thick hearty Bolognese when it is cold out. That's not to discourage if you were in the mood, the components still hold up on a warm summer evening. Orecchiette  // Broccoli Rabe, Pancetta, Capers, Preserved Lemon. Now this is one that beckons summer on a patio to me, definitely the pasta entrée I am craving the most and would order upon my return. Bursting with salty, lemony flavors, those little pockets of perfectly shaped orecchiette delicately cradled the pancetta and capers, the crisp broccoli rabe rounding out the dish. Gnocchi // Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder, Rosemary Citrus Jus, Asparagus. A thoughtful pairing is gnocchi with lamb and asparagus, as opposed to just plain old gnocchi, this dish steps it up. The dense cushions of potato pasta get coated in a thick creamy cheese sauce and a dusting of breadcrumbs, while the entire dish relishes the potent rosemary citrus jus. Lobster Ravioli // Wilted Pea Greens, Fennel Pollen, Cauliflower, Truffle. There's that heavenly lobster and truffle combination again!Seared Tuna // Roasted Fennel, Marcona Almonds, Golden Raisin Puree. Each piece of sushi grade tuna came perfectly seared on the edges. When paired with bites of the candied marcona almonds, sweet golden raisin puree and fennel, it was so so good!PT Farms Pork Chop // Fontina, Pancetta, Algre Dolce Peppers. A well cooked pork chop comes coated in melted fontina cheese with thick, salty pancetta.Somewhere in between all this I ordered a glass of Prosecco, happily sipping it in the comfy confines of the terrace couches with good company as the sun went down and the cooler night air set in. The tasting wrapped up with a Mascarpone Ice Cream accompanying a golden raisin filled tart dusted with powdered sugar. Each dish with its own unique flair offered a beautiful presentation using fresh seasonal ingredients. I would also like to note that while this tasting was complimentary, the price points clock in with first courses between $10-15, pasta entrees start at $17 and seafood entrees average around $30.It is not often that the North End sees a new restaurant opening, much less a waterfront destination. Seems the new spots are always popping up in Cambridge, Back Bay, the South End or Liberty Wharf (everywhere but here, basically) so we deserve this one! I have a strong inclination to return to the terrace already! Sipping cocktails and watching the sunset over the harbor never gets old. 

Aragosta 

3 Battery Wharf

Boston, MA 02109