Charlestown Eats

Drum roll, please! Presenting a long overdue round up of what and where I've been eating in Charlestown. I regret that not all these plates are accompanied by photos to do them justice - sometimes the camera doesn't quite make it.

*Roasted Game Hen w/ swiss chard, chorizo, cornbread + gravy | Navy Yard Bistro*

I had a really nice time on my first visit to the Navy Yard Bistro, however, it was not without some misses. The appetizers were not quite up to par; fried oysters lacked crispiness and the mussels were far from plump and rather stringy. My entrée on the other hand, was flawless! The roasted game hen offered incredibly juicy white meat falling off the bone with perfectly crisp, almost caramelized skin that came dusted in fresh parsley. Alongside were nuggets of spicy chorizo and bitter swiss chard greens in a light but smokey gravy bath and a massive slice of soft, sweet cornbread pooling with butter. That handsome looking bird proved to be one of the most exquisite plates of food I have had all year.  

Another positive was our impeccable, personalized service. I appreciated that our waiter was quick to move us inside as impending thunderstorms and large drops of rain threatened our quaint table on the patio. And because it was my sisters birthday he generously comped our dessert - a hot fudge strawberry sundae alongside flutes of limoncello.

*Sweet Potato Bravas ($9) w/ feta, honey, jalapenos + avocado cream | Olives*

On a recent trip back to Olives I am happy to report (after all the mixed reviews and varying levels of press) that our food was better than I expected. Though I've only noshed on small plates and appetizers, I thought every thing was delicious and the portion sizes were just right for sharing. Besides the tasty Sweet Patatas Bravas inventively paired with feta, honey, jalapenos and avocado cream for dipping, there was a guilt inducing Mac N Cheese ($8) with truffle, porcini, taleggio and fontina. TE's rendition was rich, flavorful, creamy, piping hot and over-the-top cheesy. The atmosphere felt a bit too intense for casually enjoying cocktails, appetizers and conversation on a Wednesday night. It was much louder than I expected with music blaring and voices up ten more octaves as a result. As crowded as it was we did manage to get a table right away, and service remained cheerful even though it was on the slow side.

*The Cottage Burger ($11.95) w/ fried organic egg, bacon + sharp cheddar | The Warren Tavern*

For post work brews this historic watering hole has become our go-to. While not everything I have ordered has been a win, their burgers served on a lightly charred sesame seed studded bun have easily become crave worthy. The Cottage ($11.95) with a perfectly fried organic egg is my #1, but they have a plethora of equally fantastic options when I'm looking to switch it up like the Blue Cheese ($10.95) or the Paul Revere ($9.95) with sautéed mushrooms and swiss cheese. The richly wooded interior is classic and comforting and the bartenders are always friendly and eager to refill your drinks.

*Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict w/ red onions + tomatoes | Grasshopper Café*

Warm and welcoming staff, prompt iced coffee counter service on my walk to work, homemade honey butter, excellent breakfast dishes - I'm not sure what the Bunker Hill side of the neighborhood did without this place before it opened a couple years back. The décor is simple and casual, overall it is a lovely little café that I'm happy to live so close to.

To Do This Summer: Charlestown Navy Yard

While I'm off enjoying the Southern Louisiana heat I prepared a post that both reminisces on a warm summer day and hopefully inspires a visit to check out the historic charms that lie within a favorite Boston neighborhood. Whether you're or a local or a visitor, if you are looking for something to do around here this summer, why not explore the Charlestown Navy Yard?
Adam and I make it a point to visit this highly regarded tourist destination at least once a summer, if not more, for a stroll along the piers and a drink at Tavern on The Water or Max & Dylan's. Last year, one drink lead to another and and before I knew it, a field trip esque tour of the USS Constitution was underway. I had never been on the grand naval ship until last summer (something of a travesty when you grew up in MA and work in Charlestown) and as a result Adam documented my travels aboard the ship every step of the way. The Charlestown Navy Yard was established in 1800 and proudly served the fleet - especially during our nations wars, where men and women built some 200 ships and maintained and repaired thousands. It closed down after 175 years in 1974 and in that same year became a National Historic Park. The USS Cassin Young is a destroyer ship located at Dry Dock 1 - pictured above and below. I think it's fun to take in the various docks, cannons, anchors and buildings as you stroll along the wharfs. I love that each building and dock have a number. Fun Fact: Before my company's Finance department moved to our current location at The Schrafft Center, we were located in various buildings throughout the Navy Yard. My department was located in building 33. (Which has since been turned high rent apartments!)Above: Outside the The USS Constitution Museum.
Behind this facade of a building are some lovely parks and an interactive Korean War Memorial.And finally, the star of the Navy Yard: The USS Constitution, nicknamed infamously as "Old Ironsides" is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. It is operated by the US Navy in cooperation with the National Park Service. Admission is free and narrated tours are provided by Active Duty US Sailors every half hour from 10 am to 5:30 pm. This worked out nicely for a spontaneous afternoon tour. While a guide leads you to four stations on three decks of the ship, I assure you there is plenty of time in between to explore the deck among yourselves. We had a blast!
Oh sunny blue skies, when will you return? (If I recall this day was almost 90 degrees and sweltering!)To the lower decks!The ship details clearly fascinated me. Adam was into the cannons. After all that walking around in the hot summer sun, more drinks are most certainly in order! Consider the sailing communities favorite cocktail - and an all time favorite of mine The Dark-n-Stormy. Max & Dylans just around the corner at City Square pours a generous pint size portion.
I'm also a big fan of their sliders ranging from Kobe Beef with lemon dressed greens, gouda, balsamic + onions to the Filet Mignon with Great Hill Bleu, romaine + red onion. In the opposite direction lies Main Street in the picturesque residential section of town. You can beat the heat with a crisp glass of prosecco and a wood fired artesian pizza at Figs.One of my favorites is the Bianco made with Mozzarella, sweet onions, fresh red and yellow tomatoes, arugula, olive oil and balsamic. Consider exploring the Charlestown Navy Yard on your next adventure day in the city or something to do if you ever visit Boston! Hope you enjoyed the tour!

Tavern On The Water

You go for the atmosphere.

You go for the view.

Do you want the good news or the bad news?

Good news is the brunch is pretty damn good.

A surprise of sorts! When the menu lists home fries these little nuggets of herb crusted hash browns are the last thing you expect to see on your plate.
They were absolutely delightful. The entire plate was a pleasant surprise. I really enjoyed the addition of lemony fresh greens to the standard 2 egg, sausage, english muffin breakfast.

Bad news is, the bloody marys were awful.

I've had a lot of bloody marys in my life. I know when they taste good. I know when they taste bad.
They look awesome. I look so excited to drink them. They even have a golf tee holding the garnishes in place.
Ironically, Tavern On The Water offers a make your own bloody mary bar. As fun and inviting as that sounds, we had just walked all the way to the Charlestown Navy Yard in the 90 degree heat and therefore we opted for the bartenders batch. I was in the kind of mood that if I wanted to make my own, I would have. At home.Surely, the bartender can make a better drink than us. Also, Adam never orders a bloody mary. I have no idea why he did today. I guess he wanted to try something new. Good for him. Or not so much. The taste was exceedingly more awkward with every sip. We kept making faces inadvertently while drinking - it was as painful to admit defeat. Adam was perplexed how anyone could like these and chalked it up to lack of booze in the mix. I reassured him that was not the case. I'm just saying' - it did not taste like spicy tomato juice sans vodka. It tasted more like a stale drink mix of sorts. Honestly, I have no idea what wrong. I have no idea if this was a fluke batch.
Be wary the Bloody Marys. But definitely stop in for a beer or two.

Tavern On The Water

Pier 6 | Navy Yard

1 8th Street

Charlestown, MA 02129