Nix's Mate

Nix's Mate recently opened in the Financial District Hilton, replacing the forgettable Caliterra Bar and Grill. The former outdated space is rejuvenated by a 22 seat quartz bar, rustic walnut beams, pristine wood table tops and comfortable leather furniture. It is bright and sleek, with neutral earthy and gray tones, very of the moment. There's a minimalist touch with the décor points and a focused technique in the kitchen. Potted succulents, sepia toned photographs and stunning glass jar light fixtures accent gorgeous looking plates. Start with a Moscow Mule ($12) it's refreshing with a gingery kick served in a radiant copper mug; and then be sure to order the Fried Maine Lobster Caramel ($17). The sweet, fresh lobster meat - lightly crisped tail and claw play off the warm velvety caramel as it melts into creamy Vermont cheddar, highlighted with green onions and chilis. I'd love to know how the chef came up with this one, it's wildly creative.

I'm also particularly fond of the juicy, jam like blackberries in the Boston Bibb ($10) as they mingle with sturdy pecans, a creamy caramelized onion dressing and memorable cornbread croutons. Specials this evening also catch our eye, there's a large group of us and we're into trying a little of everything on the appetizers menu. Bacon Wrapped Scallop Skewers ($8) in maple butter come tightly wrapped and perfectly seared, dusted in fresh parsley. Fried Crab Cake Nuggets ($12) successfully accompany a summery salad of arugula, watermelon, roasted corn, thinly shaved beets, walnuts and a mustard aioli.  Both specials, I have a feeling, would do well on the regular menu. 

Spicy fried rock shrimp are a strange match for salami, pepperoni, mozzarella and tomato gravy in The Harbor Island Flatbread ($14). The cheese should have been more evenly dispersed and the crust slightly more firm and crispy. While the rock shrimp on their own were good, they weren't very spicy as described. The Braised Veal Cheek "Pot au feu" ($14) is a mini interpretation of the classic French beef stew. I've never actually had pot au feu, regardless, the cheek was tender with a rich flavor thanks to the bone marrow broth and baby roasted carrots and green beans brightened up the dish.

Next, Polpete Vongole ($11) pairs tiny meatballs tossed in a red clam sauce with the briny clams overflowing from a large shell. Much like lobster and caramel, blackberry jam and bibb lettuce, ingredients are coupled that shouldn't work, yet do. (I'm still not sold on fried shrimp and salami together on a pizza, though.)

Some members of my party who weren't particularly impressed with the appetizers would advocate desserts ($8 each) are what they're doing best. Cocktails aren't always on point and the wine list doesn't offer much variety, but the final course nails it each and every time. From the Strawberry Shortcake with a duo of buttermilk accompaniments - the biscuit and the panna cotta, to a decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Torte with olive oil, sea salt and Thacher farms cream, these creations are truly something special. The strawberry and vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches with chocolate and caramel sauces cascading down homemade cookies are not to be missed, and if your sweet tooth is raging, the Banana's Foster Bread Pudding with toasted marshmallow over homemade brioche should do the trick. 

Service was reliable, if not quiet and reserved. I have a feeling eight girls at a giant round table whipping out large cameras was somewhat intimidating! If nothing else, Nix's Mate is light years beyond its predecessor, it strives to impress with food that is inventive and approachable, and mostly succeeds.

Nix's Mate Kitchen & Cocktails

89 Broad Street

Boston, MA 02110

MKT | Financial District

Market is the bar located at 21 Broad Street - not to be confused with Market the restaurant at the W Hotel located at 100 Stuart Street. While I've heard great things regarding the latter, the former, commonly abbreviated as MKT was where I spent this past Wednesday evening.

I have been to MKT before, that being said, I only saw one floor out of three and did not experience the roof deck or try the food. The décor here was not at all what I expected, it was surprisingly fresh and unique. The exposed wooden beams and wood floors give it a rustic feel while studded red velour chairs emit a regal vibe. The main circular bar is clean and composed with black lacquer counters and modern beige bar stools. Glowing red chandeliers add a funky touch.
On the sweltering 88 degree evening that was Wednesday here in Boston a Moscow Mule ($10) was ordered upon arrival to the MKT roof deck. It wasn't at all impressive. In fact, it paled in comparison to the real thing.

Described as served in a copper mug - this was not the case. Why even write that on the menu?! Huffing and puffing up four flights of stairs lead us to Sausage Fest 2010. I was looking like  the 5th girl to grace the roof decks presence this evening.

The female bartender was prompt, however disgruntled. She couldn't manage a smile and poured our drinks with an annoyed sense of urgency. Apparently she was the only one serving the roof deck of about 50 patrons, which included taking food orders. That has to make for a rough night. :(
We met our friends Ashley and Ethan and meandered to a spot in the corner. We were surrounded by the tall buildings of the Financial District.

Market's roof deck doesn't have the most breathtaking views, but, at least its got a small window of cityscape and a night sky backdrop in one direction. I definitely enjoyed the aspect of being in the midst of the skyscrapers, as opposed to viewing them from afar! This is not one of the most polished roof decks you'll ever sip a drink on, but it's comfortable enough.

For my second round I decided to switch to beer. At $10 a pop, I felt I wasn't getting my monies worth for a mixed drink. Initially the bartender overcharged me (ten dollars for a beer - really?) but I quickly pointed out to her there was no way my Kona Longboard on tap cost as much as my previous mixed drink. She concurred realizing it was only $5 and provided me the correct change. The four of us grabbed a table on the other side of the deck and munched on Nachos ($9) and BBQ Chicken Pizza ($10) as the sun went down.

The BBQ Chicken Pizza was mediocre bar grub. It wasn't great. The nachos were tasty, unfortunately (or fortunately for Adam) there was no guacamole to be found on them as advertised. The fresh scallions and grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top were a nice touch.
As the wind picked up we headed downstairs to the first floor where we learned it was Reggae Wednesday!
The band played classic cover songs with reggae inspired beats. While I wasn't super impressed by the roof deck vibe as a whole, the indoor ambiance at Market is pretty cool. For beating the Wednesday night heat with good company and good tunes, I'll take it. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for the food, though.

Sportello + Drink

We made plans to visit Sportello for Restaurant Week with our friends Gretchen and Derek, and Drink just so happened to draw us in for an aperitif.

A Monday night out is a lovely way to start off the work week. 
It wasn't the perfect weather for a stroll, but I think the city is beautiful, even in the drizzle and fog. It looks kind of mysterious, yes?
We meandered into the subterranean space that houses Drink and found our friends already settled in at the bar with some cocktails. Much to my surprise, Drink does not have a drink menu. The changeable letter board is the closest thing to it.
Astrological signs that tell you what drink to order?! This excited me. Alas, the true concept here is to tell the bartender what you like or are in the mood for and they will craft you a cocktail. I started with the facts: I like vodka. She pretty much read my mind from there. This is one of those scenarios where I believe it is essential to have an open mind and trust the bartender will take good care of you. She prepared me a Moscow Mule with muddled lime and ginger beer, explaining this was the first vodka drink ever invented. The combination was new and enticing to me - three ingredients I love but have never had all together. 

This cocktail tasted just like she read my mind. Lately, I've been putting my feelers out there for a drink that isn't too sweet. The dirty martini always works, but that stands in a caliber all it's own. This is it. 
As our reservation time approached we made our way upstairs to Sportello, which is the Italian word for 'counter service'. Here we were greeted by retro globe lights that hung evenly over a shiny white lacquered counter top zig-zagging throughout a clean stylish space.

We were lead to the back corner of the room and seated at a long common table in front of the floor to ceiling windows and right next to the bustling open kitchen. First we decided on a bottle of the featured restaurant week red - Perrini Negroamaro ($32) from Puglia, Italy.
From Southern Italy or "the boot" this organic red wine is full of deep berry and ripe plums flavors balanced with a hint of limestone. 
Fresh baked bread was served with a creamy ricotta cheese and olive oil laced spread topped with syrupy soaked apricots.
I had three slices. Good thing I didn't hold back on the bread basket because the courses themselves are quite small. For my appetizer I chose the Smoked Salmon.
The salmon was beautifully prepared, its smokiness balanced by the bright, clean flavors of the crème fraiche and celery root. This was a refreshing first course that I appreciated didn't leave me feeling heavy as I awaited my entrée.
The boys both had the Baby Mixed Greens with mustard vinaigrette, walnut crème and rye croutons.
In fact, the boys had the same of every course. There are only three options for each so the decisions are fairly easy. I chose the Pork Belly with a fennel and parsnip salad and salsa verde. The entrée portions are modest in size however bold in flavor. This delicate slice was perfectly executed. The subtly sweet fennel and parsnips along with the fresh salsa verde emulsion were nice compliments to the rich savory pork.
Gretchen loved her pasta dish of Raffetta with roasted eggplant, pancetta and a goat cheese fondu.
Adam and Derek seemed to enjoy their Crispy Duck Leg as well, served with polenta cake, beet greens and duck jus. With clean flavors and delectably tender duck, again this was a success taste wise but I couldn't help but wonder if they were still hungry!
We were offered coffee before dessert was served, I chose an espresso.
The dessert course in typical fashion was the Cookie Plate for the guys and the Chocolate Walnut Torta with salted caramel for the girls. While this did not blow me away, it was still delicious.
Another highlight of the evening was being able to observe the happenings in the kitchen.
The experience at Sportello was energetic and less formal with counter style dining and a modest presentation of superb food. RW was a unique and fun occasion.
Barbara Lynch was no where in site, but her creative vision seems to resonate in every aspect of the experience. I will certainly return and I definitely need more of Drinks cocktails and psychic mixologists in my life ASAP.

Sportello

348 Congress Street

Boston, MA 02210