Roche Bros. Tasting Counter

The opening of Roche Bros. over a year and a half ago was a game changer for those of us who work or live in Downtown Crossing. I have hugely appreciated having them close by my office for lunch + snack options during the day and for quality grocery shopping trips after work. Their selection of sushi and maki rolls, artisanal baguette sandwiches and fresh out the oven chocolate chip cookies have been my go-tos.

Now, even more of game changer is their recently unveiled renovation: an impeccable 10,000 square foot space extending into the base of the Millennium Tower. This includes a tremendous selection of beer, wine, sake, alcohol, AND, a sleek new tasting bar offering fantastic lunch options!! Their well appointed tasting counter serves seasonal dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced products that are sold in store.

I was super impressed with everything from the Seasonal Handcrafted Soda expertly flavored with thirst quenching mango + passionfruit, to the exquisite, fine dining caliber Yellowtail Poke, to the incredibly comforting Harpoon IPA Fondue. From their dessert counter a few aisles over, mini sweet treats are also a win, and I loved the thoughtful touch of red and green holiday flare on the plate! 

Counter service here is personable, knowledgeable and efficient. Bonus points for for presentation and aesthetic: that fire engine red mini cast iron staub! Stainless steel drinking straws! Sturdy plates made of recycled materials. Mini forks for fondue. Chopsticks for the poke. Eating lunch here was fun and enjoyable - this grocery store tasting counter simply did not miss a beat. 

Prices and descriptions below:

Yellowtail Poke ($14) local radish, cucumber, enoki mushrooms, yuzu + sesame dressing

Charcuterie Board ($11) - prosciutto, speck, pickled vegetables: snap peas, carrots and hearts of palm

Local Cheese and Harpoon IPA Fondue ($10) artisianal baguette + charred broccoli

Crispy Flatbread ($11) onion + tomato confit, charred broccoli, crumbled local feta

Mini Dessert Trio ($8) key lime tart, hazelnut cake, chocolate ganache cake. 
We also enjoyed a Cappuccino ($3.50) with dessert.

Right now, the tasting counter feels like an insider secret - but you should not hesitate to make it a destination!

P.S. Merry Christmas! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!!!

Roche Bros. @ Millennium Tower
8 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02110

*this meal was complimentary, all opinions are my own*

Classics Perfected | Fairmont Copley

Elite Fairmont bartenders from around the world joined forces to create a new global cocktail menu. The result was perfectly reimagined, time-tested classics. I was honored to celebrate the launch with them last Thursday evening at the Fairmont Copley Plaza. They hosted an elegant affair in the St. James speakeasy, easily one of the best cocktail parties I've attended!

 [The Menu]

Fairmont Old Fashioned | Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum, simple syrup, angostura bitters, garnish: wide orange wheel

Perfect Martinez | The Botanist Islay Dry Gin, Contreau, sweet red vermouth, dry vermouth, angostura bitters, garnish: lemon twist

VSOP Boulevardier | Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Remy Martin VSOP Fine Champagne Cognac, Campari, sweet red vermouth, garnish: wide lemon wheel
Right Word | Bombay Sapphire Gin, Lillet Blanc, St. Germain Elderflower Liquor, fresh lime juice, garnish: thinly sliced lime wheel

Sparkling Collins Royal | Belvedere Vodka, Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label, fresh mint + cucumber, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, garnish: sprig of mint

Pomegranate Paloma | Casamigos Reposado Tequila, Contreau, pomegranate juice, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lemon juice, angostura bitters, garnish: coarse salted rim, half lemon wheel

I was enamored with the first four, especially the Boulevardier as Campari is one of my favorite spirits. This one drinks similar to a Negroni with whiskey stepping in for gin. A splash of champagne cognac adds a luxurious touch. The Old Fashioned hold true to its simplistic standards while benefiting from the excellent, full bodied Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum which imparts a richer flavor. In the Perfect Martinez the botanicals in the gin mingle with equal parts sweet and dry vermouth creating a well balanced martini. The Right Word offers a light and elegant variation of the classic Last Word. Swapping out Chartreuse, now St Germain and Lillet are responsible for the bright floral notes. I didn't have a chance to sample the Sparkling Collins or the Paloma - but the Fairmont's elevated versions certainly sound delicious and refreshing. 

This gorgeous Boston hotel is especially stunning around the holidays. If you're local, I wouldn't hesitate to visit the Oak Long Bar + Kitchen to sample these elegant cocktail revivals - they will not disappoint! Otherwise, you can find them at Fairmont properties worldwide. 

Aussie Lamb Lunch @ Liquid Art House

 The kind folks at True Aussie Lamb together with Liquid Art House Chef Rachel Klein recently had us in for a demonstration in lamb breakdown and preparation, plus a five course lunch. 

The master Australian butcher broke down an entire lamb in front of us, demonstrating the basic to the more sophisticated cuts; using the entire animal with minimal waste. He was extremely skilled with the knives and carving tools and passionate about his craft, which made this fascinating to watch.

I have always enjoyed lamb so it was interesting to learn about why lamb meat from down under is so special. Australian lamb is all-natural, pasture raised, grass fed and free of artificial additives. The products respect the environment and are produced to high standards. We learned that lamb is an excellent source of lean protein, plus vitamin B12, iron and omega-3. It has a fresh, mild flavor that lends itself to a variety of ingredients. 

We left with a vacuum sealed rack of lamb as a parting gift, turns out it is exceptionally easy to roast. I prepared mine with olive oil, salt and pepper - into the oven for 10 minutes, then a coating of Dijon mustard with a topping of pecan, parsley, garlic and orange zest, back into the oven for 15 more minutes. I served it with a side of couscous and a cucumber tomato salad. Yum! But I digress, back to lunch....

I was excited to dine at Liquid Art House. Situated where the Back Bay meets Bay Village on Arlington Street, a bright white marble space with tall ceilings and molded columns is the canvas for a rotating art gallery. Showcasing unique work from colorful abstract paintings to funky glass chandeliers and thoughtful sculptures where everything is for sale - apparently that purple chandelier over the bar has a price tag of $90k.

Our lunch today was refined and elegant, every course truly showcased the versatility and deliciousness of lamb. 

Australian Lamb Shoulder Taco | mint relish and ricotta salata

Spiced Australian Lamb Skewers | raita, house made pita crisp and herbs

 Boneless Eye of Australian Loin | skordalia, forum vinegar, broccoli rabe, pickled strawberries, Korean chili and goat's milk feta

Rack of Australian Lamb | roasted grapes, green olive jam, potato puree, mint and Parmesan

milk chocolate caramel mousse | crème Chantilly, dark cocoa sauce and candied hazelnuts

Liquid Art House

100 Arlington St.

Boston, MA 02116

*this meal was complimentary, all opinions are my own*

Legal Harborside x Norwegian Skrei

Prior to this meal at Legal Harborside I had never heard of Skrei (pronounced skray) which is ultra-premium specialty Norwegian Cod fish. Cherished in culinary circles and among renowned chefs for its beautiful white meat, delicate flake, and extraordinary flavor; Skrei is sustainably fished and only available for a few months each year. In pursuit of this sought-after catch, Norwegian fishermen brave ferocious seas on the darkest and coldest January nights when the cod are migrating south from their feeding grounds in the Barents Sea towards the coast of Norway. 

Hosting us in their luxe second floor dining room, Legal Harborside started the meal with a delicate bread platter, cotuit and rhode island oysters, and jumbo shrimp cocktail served in an ice-egg! For the main event the Skrei was pan roasted and brilliantly showcased alongside bacon lardon, leeks and golden russet apples, fused by a smoked mussel chowder which was poured tableside. As a result of crossing through the cold arctic waters the cod fish is elegant and silky with firm flakes and an exceptionally clean taste. 

A sweet ending to the meal was a brûléed chocolate banana tart with coconut gelato, chocolate sauce and toasted coconut anglaise. We also enjoyed a whimsical citrus flight with lemon sponge pudding, avocado key lime tart, a grapefruit gateau and blood orange sorbet.

It is always nice to come away from a tasting having learned something new. This was a dinner that felt personal and not overly hyped, accompanied by a terrific menu and flawless service. With a folder of well designed information waiting at the table it was genuinely so nice to have an intimate meal minus the full court press.

 Legal Harborside - Floor 2
270 Northern Avenue
Liberty Wharf
Boston, MA 02210 

Martin Codax Albariño | Row 34

Martin Codax Albariño is a sensational white wine from the Rias Baixas region of Northwestern Spain. It is crisp and full of dry white fruits - bracing the palate with citrus zest, granny smith apple, white peach skin and pineapple. A fresh minerality adds definition and sturdiness. It is extremely food friendly and elegantly pairs itself with briny oysters, a delicate striped bass crudo and a hearty brown butter lobster, corn, tomato and basil dish. The Albariño rightly lives up to its nickname "wine of the sea". It even serves to compliment dessert - a lemon pound cake with fresh berries.

Row 34 is named for an oyster raised at the Island Creek Oyster farm. The Fort Point restaurant graciously and effortlessly hosted this wine dinner for about 25 bloggers and friends. This industrial "workingmans oyster bar" is lively and loud, relaxed and fun. It is a destination and we come here often. Newcomers and locals alike, I recommend you pay them a visit.

Row 34
383 Congress St
Boston MA, 02210

*This dinner was complimentary. All opinions are my own*