Farmstead Table + Parish Café x Baby Camden

Dining out with baby Camden has been a success. He's pretty chill. Above we are enjoying a night out at Legal on the Mystic in Assembly Row. I didn't take any photos of that meal but him enjoying a rare bottle and the fact that I had the photo below ;)

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Farmstead Table in Newton Center is always a wonderful choice. In their clean intimate space we dined early and Camden mostly slept. 

A classic American country kitchen presents innovative plates with the freshest of the season. It looks like I ate a gorgeous crab and avocado dish topped with radish plated to resemble a tartare, plus grilled corn & cabbage tacos with avocado, cotija cheese, a spicy aioli and dusted with fresh chives.

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Parish Café escaped the blog all these years! I love it here for sure. Camden has a backup daycare in Back Bay so we will take a stroll and find somewhere to pop in for a bite. 

Their thing is gourmet sandwiches crafted by local chefs. The Bravas from Chef Cassie Piuma of Sarma Restaurant it INSANE. A grilled sesame torta bun is slathered with sweet onion butter, then layered with prosciutto, chorizo, manchego, crispy brussels sprouts, drizzled in a grand finale of hot sauce and garlic aioli. There are some notable Boston chefs on the menu - you can't go wrong as long as you get a sandwich. The tomato bisque with a deep fried grilled cheese crouton and basil is also next level. When Camden was first old enough to eat, the Baked Mac n Cheese with gruyere, romano, monterey jack and a Ritz cracker crumble got the job done!

Legal on the Mystic

301 Great River Road

Somerville, MA 02145

Farmstead Table

71 Union St

Newton Centre, MA 02459

Parish Café

361 Boylston St

Boston, MA

prenatal dining out | Newton

We had nested all we could nest. The nursery was ready. We were ready. My induction was scheduled. We worked hard wrapping up at the office. We also worked hard putting together all the baby gear. And then, we felt like dining out all the time. These were not planned "we must eat out everywhere before baby comes!!" dinners, they were actually somewhat spontaneous outings that happened to mark special prenatal events. 

Also posting the February occasions: Valentine's Day // my 35th Birthday // Bob's birthday // [how cool that our sons birthday is right in between ours? Pisces Fam!]

I'm glad we took advantage. Postpartum, I've never been so content to be at home 24/7. It has all been so lovely. We're lucky!

Little Big Diner - Newton Centre

When you have a Ramen craving LBD is the best of the best. I enjoyed the very filling Miso Ramen topped with chashu pork, bean sprouts, sweet corn, scallions, nori + an ajitama egg

Sweet Tomatoes Pizza - West Newton 

Lunch Date before my Non Stress Test @ NWH MFM (Maternal Fetal Medicine).
This pizza is some of my favorite around. We had Garlic Spinach + Hawaiian.

COOK - Newtonville

Dinner date after getting the car seat inspected at the Newton City Police Dept.

Cook is an awesome neighborhood spot for an upscale casual meal. We shared Charred Broccoli with chimmichuri + Sticky Wings in a spicy soy glaze. A classic Burger with cheddar, LTO and crispy french fries hit the spot.

Rice Valley - Newtonville

The classic "lets go for spicy food" meal 

This was the night before my scheduled induction (Saturday 2/23). A little spicy never hurt the chances of going into labor naturally, right? 

We don't eat American Chinese food often. Rice Valley has a nice atmosphere to dine out in and the food is average. The Hot and Sour Soup was nice and spicy. We asked for the General Gao's Chicken (labeled as spicy) to actually come extra spicy. It did not, even though she assured it would, but it was still a tasty meal. The actual night of my induction (Sunday 2/24) we went for Spicy Buffalo Wings at Buffs Pub right before heading to NWH to get admitted. Talk about going all out. My water broke after one dose of the oral meds (which is considered lucky) so I honestly think the spicy wings helped me out!

West on Centre - West Roxbury

[I am postpartum now!]

Cam was still in the NICU and we were really not up for hanging out at home without him. This was another nice meal out that proved a welcome distraction. I had Pan Seared Sea Scallops in a citrus reduction over butternut squash puree + sautéed garlic spinach with roasted cauliflower. 

This neighborhood restaurant provided a terrific meal and swiftly paced (but not rushed) service. This was perfect for us as we did not want to linger, we were either eager to head back to NWH for Cam's bedtime feeding, or home to get that extra, much needed sleep! 

Saturday 3/2 ended up being Camden's last night in the hospital. On our way home we received a call from his nurse that he would likely be discharged the next day. He came home with us on his actual due date, Sunday, March 3rd! He is now 3 weeks old and I've never been happier! Being his Mom is the absolute best. 

what's good | Amaro Montenegro, Posto Mobile + more

I am big on roundups and it has been awhile since I posted one! 

I like to highlight favorite spots I'm visiting again and again, or restaurants, dishes, drinks and brands that made a lasting impression. Enjoy!

 Acai Bowl @ Energize

True to its name this blog focuses on boozy drinks and indulgent food. But I am a big smoothie bowl and fresh squeezed juice fan, too! Energize in Oak Square, Brighton is my favorite neighborhood juice bar for a delicious, healthy and beautifully presented smoothie bowl. 

Juices + Smoothies @ Thirst Juice Co.

When I'm working downtown my go to juice bar is Thirst. Pictured is the Buddhabeet Juice made with beet, carrot, pear, pineapple + ginger. This is a perfect afternoon thirst quenching pick me up!

Fried Burrata @ Brighton Bodega

On our first visit to the new bodega the Fried Burrata took center stage - comforting, luscious, crispy and bathing in a savory tomato sauce. The other dishes were just so-so compared. On our second visit I was much more impressed with our dishes. With an on trend neighborhood vibe and a solid house cocktail list + 20 thoughtfully selected beers on draft, I am so thrilled Brighton Bodega has made a home in Brighton Center! Look for a full post on this place soon.

Negroni @ Townsman

...from healthy red juice to my favorite red cocktail! Townsman's Negroni or some variation of the classic usually graces their menu and always hits the spot. 

Thai Tuna Maki @ Hillstone 

Hillstone is an upscale chain restaurant in Faneuil Hall. I enjoyed hanging out at their polished subterranean bar and was surprised to see maki rolls on the menu. The Thai Tuna ($16) is eight squares with cubes of fresh tuna, avocado, a spicy thai sauce and macadamia nuts.

Amaro Montenegro @ Alibi

Amaro is an Italian herbal liquor that has for awhile been my go to digestif. I have been using it frequently to craft a delicious variation on the Manhattan. You probably drink amaro in cocktails all the time and don't even realize it! 

A collision of sharp sweetness blunted by potent alcohol, an understated bitterness, scents of flowers and spices, I love it so! There are lots of brands out there but Lucano, Averna and Montenegro are my three favorites. Alibi at The Liberty Hotel hosted an amazing evening last month called "Montenegro Nights" where they transformed the heat lamp lit patio into a Montenegro shrine and even had a tattoo artist giving (fake) Montenegro bottle tattoos, reaffirming my adoration for the brand!

Authentic Neopolitan Pizza @ Posto Mobile

I haven't featured a food truck in awhile but I eat lunch at them all the time. Posto Mobile wood fired pizza is ridiculously good. Pictured is the Soppressata - namesake spicy pork salumi, mozzarella, Tuscan peppers, oregano, parmesan + arugula.

House Featured Manhattan @ Troquet on South

This my friends is what a $17 Manhattan looks like. It is made with mad river burnt rock bourbon, sweet vermouth, barrel aged bitters + cherries. I love cozying up to the intimate + sophisticated French Bistro that is Troquet on South.

Where have you been eating + drinking lately? What are some dishes I must try around town?!

goodies | Eataly, Merchant, Pabu + more

Standout dishes and drinks: 

Boston, Newton, Watertown, Hingham | Nov + Dec 2016, Jan 2017

Linguine alle Vongole @ Eataly

Hamachi Blood Orange Crudo @ Eataly

Aloha Weisse, Nightshift @ Branch Line (not pictured but really good here this month: White Anchovy Toast w/rotisserie tomato, Trumpet Mushrooms w/ sumac oil)

Smoked Sea Trout w meyer lemon, crispy brussels sprout leaves, radish @ Merchant

Sake / Spicy salmon hand roll @ Pabu

Happy Spoon - oyster, ponzu creme fraiche, uni, tobiko, ikura @ Pabu

Excellent, go-to sushi @ Super Fusion

Insalata: baby arugula, gorgonzola, San Daniel prosciutto, port soaked figs, wood grilled shrimp @ Alma Nove
The Commodity (tequila cabeza, strawberry infused campari, east india sherry, lemon) @ The Hawthorne

Asparagus, panchetta, poached egg pizza @ Brewers Fork

It is sort of crazy how many good food and drink pictures sit in the archives of my phone. I am constantly snapping away and saving them for a rainy day. I hope you enjoy the mash up!

Newton, Lately

Blue Ribbon BBQ | West Newton

This plate was actually from the Lexington Battle Green BBQ Festival. We were biking along the Minuteman Trail and out of nowhere live music and smokin' ribs, pulled pork, beans, coleslaw, mac n cheese, cornbread, the works!! 

Max and Leo's | Newton Corner

At Max and Leo's tiny Newton Corner establishment the 900 degree coal fired oven turns out exquisite artisan pies. See also: a Definitive Guide to Boston Pizza in the Improper Bostonian and Boston's 12 Best Pizza Joints in the Boston Globe.

 

Truly their coal fired pizza and cozy Newton Corner digs are the BEST. Start with a nice glass of red wine and a Fire-Roasted Stuffed Red Pepper with rice, chicken, vegetables + drizzled with a balsamic glaze; then go half and half with their creative pies. For tomato sauce based, half Dante / meatballs, house-made mozzarella, roasted red pepper + basil with half Jero’s Pineapple / house-made mozzarella, bacon, pineapple, + jalapeño is a winning combo. And if you're in a white olive oil base kinda mood the L’Umina with sliced pears, caramelized onions, basil, ricotta cheese, fresh-sliced Prosciutto + drizzle of organic wildflower honey with half L’Oscar / Italian sausage, caramelized onions, wild mushrooms, mascarpone + mozzarella cheese will really do the trick. Also in the white pizza category I really like The Brooksy ($17.95) with grilled chicken, caramelized onions, wild mushroom, mascarpone and mozzarella cheese. The Marley ($16.75) is a classic red pizza finished with arugula, shaved parmesan and a balsamic drizzle. I guess I have basically had every pizza on the menu at this point so - trust!

Max & Leo's 

325 Washington St.
Newton, MA 02458 

Cook | Newtonville (update - they moved to Needham!)

Cook is a great restaurant to have in the neighborhood where a cheerful modern space serves creative American comforts. The Banana French Toast ($12) is made with Portuguese sweet bread. I paired a Bellini ($9) with the Smokey Pepper Grilled Cheese ($12) made with manchego, house boursin, crispy shallots and a smoky pepper jam with a side of leafy greens and sweet pickles. Yum!

Shake Shack | Chestnut Hill

Love indulging in a Shake Shack Burger and their golden crinkle cut fries. SO GOOD.  P.S. Their 100th Location just opened in the Seaport!!

Where have you been eating in your city or neighborhood lately?!

Cocktails, Lately

Trade / 540 Atlantic Avenue / Financial District

Beets by Trade / Bully Boy vodka, beet + cucumber simple syrup, lime, pineapple 

Waxy's / 1032 Beacon St / Brookline

Shake Rattle + Rum / Three Olives coconut water vodka, The Real McCoy 5 year rum, pineapple, ginger, angostura bitters 

Il Molo / 326 Commercial Street / North End

Sidecar / Cognac, Contreau, lemon juice, orange slice + demerarra sugared glass

Three destination worthy drinks! 
 Where have you had a great cocktail lately?!