Four Burgers

The concept at Four Burgers seems pretty cool, it's upscale fast food, where you order counter style choosing from one of four burgers: locally sourced grass fed beef, all natural turkey, wild Alaskan salmon or organic black bean. From there you pick from three types of buns: sesame seeded white, whole wheat or gluten free. The cheese and topping options are substantial, ranging from Swiss, herbed Havarti, smoked gouda and blue, to house cured jalapenos, applewood smoked bacon, a fried egg - the list goes on; there is a seemingly limitless number of ways to customize your burger. House cut french fries are offered in Idaho potato or sweet potato, with an option to get half and half. They have a great selection of bottled craft beers, such as Pretty Things and Sam Adams, and wines by the half bottle. I wandered in on a whim to the Boylston Street location across from the Boston Common (they are also located in Central Square) to a clean, brightly lit, industrial feeling space with red accents, the tables set with vivid ketchup and mustard bottles. Additionally, beautiful black and white framed photographs line the exposed brick walls.  

There was no line as I approached the counter, where service was friendly if not slightly absentminded. I paused in an attempt to tally up how I just spent $18 on a burger and fries. (Wishing I was given a receipt...) Yes, I ordered a beer, but, somehow it still felt like those toppings (you are charged individually, even for cheese) added up really quickly! And did she charge me for large fries without even asking which size I wanted?I ordered the beef burger on a fluffy wheat bun which came with fresh lettuce, tomato and some pickles on the side, to which I added Vermont cheddar cheese, caramelized onions and guacamole. The patty was massive and loosely packed, after only a few bites my burger was completely falling apart. The french fries were dull, lacking in taste and texture, they were under-seasoned and not at all crispy. 
It seems like they thought of everything, from the plethora of cheeses, to the half and half french fry side, to the alcoholic beverages, but in the end I left disappointed and unimpressed by the ridiculously messy burger and lackluster fries.

Red Hook Brewery | Portsmouth

An hour north of Boston on the New Hampshire seacoast lies the quaint city of Portsmouth, established in 1623.Situated near the mouth of the Piscataqua River, the downtown area offers picturesque waterfront views and throughout winding streets and brick sidewalks exists a mecca of fantastic local shops, restaurants, bars and more. I've traveled up here often to visit college friends, my Alma matter (University of New Hampshire) campus is located 15 minutes west in the tiny town of Durham, so I've got a definite connection to the area, as do some of my Boston blogger girlfriends. We decided a day trip was in order and with others in tow who had never been (!!) we headed up last Saturday where our adventures commenced with lunch at Red Hook Brewery. I had not been to the brewery since the summer of graduating (2006) and spent lots of time here in college (my 21st birthday dinner, among other blurry occasions!) Red Hook is the quintessential craft beer of the region, not to mention the breweries Cataqua Public House serves up some seriously tasty pub style food. The ten of us gals shared a plethora of appetizers starting with a Basket of Sweet Potato Fries ($7) and a Baked Jumbo Pretzel ($4) with homemade honey mustard dressing. A definite favorite were the Fried Artichoke Hearts ($8) dusted in seasoned flour and deep fried, served with a caper aioli. The Spinach and Artichoke Dip ($10) and the Hook Pilsner Infused Hummus ($7) are both delicious with grilled pita points, carrots and celery.We also noshed on oven baked Potato Skins ($9) loaded with Monterey Jack cheese and crumbled bacon, and Grilled Buffalo Chicken Strips ($10). All of it was even better than I remembered, from the superb food, to the clean tastefully decorated space, to the buttery brown couches, I was definitely re-living some great memories and had a blast making new ones.
The majority of us ordered our beer in the form of a Sampler Tray ($7); this is a fun and inexpensive way to enjoy the range of styles offered. A generous pour of ESB, Pilsner, IPA, Copperhook, Blackhook and Winterhook come on the sampler's circular platter with the color underneath corresponding to the menu description. We embarked on a brewery tour after lunch, I had somehow never been on one despite all my visits here. After all these years, it was finally meant to be! Tours cost $1 and run at various times on the hour, lead by a spirited guide, followed up with pitchers for sampling a number of varieties. My college girlfriends and I were always big fans of the Blonde Ale, a refreshing and thirst quenching blend of lightly roasted barley and a touch of wheat. The Longhammer IPA (India Pale Ale) is bold and meduim bodied, with a distinct bitterness as a result of adding hops both in the beginning and end of the fermentation process. Strong aromas and flavors of pine and citrus are prevalent. The Winterhook is a festive dark brew with rich malts and spicy hops. Roasted chocolate notes impart smoothness and finesse. This beer has been released for 27 seasons, the recipe changing slightly each year. I also really enjoy their ESB (Extra Special Bitter) a traditional British style amber beer that has been brewed since 1987. It balances sweet caramel malts with spicy and citrusy hops. I purchased two six packs (IPA and ESB) at the gift shop - I forgot how much I miss drinking this beer! Red Hook is not widely available in Boston, so I'm thrilled to have a small supply on hand. The Portsmouth blogger tour didn't end here, an afternoon shopping and wandering downtown was followed up by a fantastic meal at Black Trumpet Bistro, stay tuned for my review!

Cataqua Public House

35 Corporate Drive

Portsmouth, NH 03801

*Red Hook is now Cisco Brewers Portsmouth*

East Coast Grill | Inman Square

East Coast Grill gives a whole new meaning to Sunday brunch. I am quite confident the 24 bloggers who gathered in the private bamboo walled back room lined with a bright teal booth and huge tiki masks, would agree. The netted ceiling, tropical volcano mural and seashell lights also set the scene. East Coast Grill's staff and kitchen stuffed us, spoiled us, and brought the spice with four incredibly unique appetizers and one intense entrée of our choice all at a fixed price of $25 including tax and tip. The family style appetizers were served one at a time. First up were the Fried Sweet Plantains with Queso Fresco, banana and guava ketchup.

This was my first time eating plantains! The sweet banana relative has a very similar flavor, as you might expect. The fried exterior adds firmness and crunch. What an excellent dish to kick off the meal. I'm definitely a fan of plantains now. Next up: Sweet Potato Fries with House Inner Beauty Hot Sauce. Muy Caliente! That Inner Beauty Hot Sauce is something else. A fantastic heat gives big flavors to the thick cut crispy sweet potato fries. It also enhances the smoked pork stuffed bananas in the Banana Rellena. The pickled jalapenos on the side kicked up the heat another notch. A notable variety of textures with flavors lending smokey, sweet and spicy prove this appetizer to be the true standout. Out next comes the Monteray Jack Grits with molasses glazed grilled banana, grilled pineapple, jalapenos, toasted pecans and crispy smoked bacon.These were creamy and cheesy, warm and comforting, enhanced by all that sat within them, especially the smokey bacon. The ECG offered a choice of the following three entrees: The Smoked Pork Tostada (above) received rave reviews around the table. I chose the Yucatan Breakfast Platter. Good old fashioned cheesy scrambled eggs over a pool of salsa roija came with fluffy white rice and black beans, more of those incredible sweet fried plantains, a mango-pepper-hearts of palm salad, and a warm flour tortilla.  So many elements on one plate made for a fun and filling meal.
Our waiter Arthur was a hoot. His quick whited humor and ability to tell a story to his guests without lingering was just as welcome as the company I dined with. He (as well as other members of the wait-staff) were on point with water and coffee refills throughout the duration of our lively brunch. His thank you speech at the end of brunch and kind gesture letting us know to call on them for whatever we might need in the future was thoughtful and appreciated.
Boston Brunchers - it was wonderful, as usual, to see all your smiling faces this morning. East Coast Grill - the whole 25 of us were lucky to have such a filling and delicious meal at your bustling, bright and friendly establishment. And Renee - thanks for organizing another flawless brunch, you rock!

East Coast Grill

1271 Cambridge St

Cambridge, MA