Now it has been a while since I have shared my thoughts on the latest and greatest but please forgive me... I have had a very busy December. So lets get to it. I have frequented Towne twice this past month for brunch. Both times were pretty spectacular in terms of unique combinations in a cool ambiance.
My first brunching experience was for my Uncle's birthday. We had a great table upstairs overlooking the big caroling event outside of the Pru. Our waitress was very nice and attentive although I will say the service was slower than most places.
The tables were decorated with an old farmhouse feel which contrasted from the modern decorations throughout the place. The checkered napkins and red and white tables gave a homey feel to our breakfast which we began with little doughnut holes and some poppyseed bread. These were delicious and I highly suggest coming hungry to Towne.
I ordered the roast beef hash which was amazing considering I am not a huge fan on roast beef. The crispy pieces were covered in over easy eggs and hollandaise sauce. Complemented with homefries, I was in heaven. Everything was perfectly cooked which set the scene for my New Years Day brunch fest at Towne.
My two friends and I decided we needed to ring in the New Year at a good spot in the middle of the city just for fun. Normally, we would have hit up a smaller venue where casual clothes are more acceptable but we dressed up and headed to Towne for our 1pm reservation.
Once again the service was a little slow but we passed the time with mimosas and poppyseed bread. I ordered the delicious and beautifully plated lobster cobb salad which was phenomenal. The lobster, avocado, bacon, eggs, onions, and lettuce were horizontally layed out on the plate which was accompanied by a giant puff of crispy bread. We enjoyed our table overloooking bustling New Years Day Boylston and talked about our fanastic party at the Liberty Hotel the night before.
I had also eaten at Towne for dinner and sat right next to the kitchen. They offer an assortment of breads and spreads to start. I had a wedge and the seared tuna which was absolute perfection.
Towne is a great spot for people looking to have a leisurely brunch or a nice night out for dinner. It isn't the fastest of places so plan your time accordingly. I would also recommend a reservation as is is a very trendy popular new spot in the city. The meals are perfect for one person if you are hungry and are all very scrumptious from what I have heard from my fellow diners. If you are looking for a drink before you eat the bar is a happening place as well!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Figs- Beacon Hill
One of my favorite restaurants of all time is without a doubt Todd English's Figs on Charles Street in Beacon Hill. Known primarily for its gourmet pizza, fresh salads, and intimate feel, Figs is popular spot for Bostonians any night of the week. I have been to this location for lunch and dinner and love every second of it. Additionally, I think I have tried nearly every pizza on the menu along with a variety of salads, appetizers, and wines.
Figs on Charles is an extremely tiny and warm place. It would be wise to make a reservation if you have a party greater than two, as the place is usually packed. If you choose to walk in and chance it, people can always wait at the bar and sip on a glass of wine to prep themselves for a fabulous meal. I prefer to sit at the front of the restaurant away from the kitchen and oven. There is always great people watching on Charles Street and sitting at the two front tables is usually the most fun. The waitresses are usually very busy but also attentive despite the packed place and hungry clientele.
My usual routine for a night out at Figs is making a reservation, getting there early, and ordering a glass of red wine at the bar. Once seated, the waitress brings out a great bowl of bread paired with delicious, decadent olive oil. This focaccia style bread is dense yet light at the same time. Savoring this fantastic, garlicy piece of heaven while washing it down with a glass of wine really sets the mood for the oven baked pizza to come.
I am not one to order an appetizer at Figs since the pizzas are very filling, but on occassion I have tried a few. I am particularly fond of the Warm Bacon & Spinach Salad. This is a simple salad of spinach, parmesan, and a vinaigrette mixed with warm bacon. These flavors blend together to give each bite a fresh feel. I can definitely eat this salad alone but I would suggest 1 order split between 2 people in order to save room for the main course.
The Rhode Island Calamari is also a favorite of mine. I am always a fan of hot peppers with my calamari and this dish incorporates them well. Spearing a hot pepper, piece of crispy calamari, and a drizzling a touch of garlic and lemon aioli leads to phenomenal appetizer. One order can easily be split between 3 or 4 people.
Now on to the pizza. PIZZA.PIZZA.PIZZA.
I have never had a gourmet slice as good as the ones at Figs. I truly mean that. Their pizza is not super greasy, the dough is very thin, and the ingredients are fresh and interesting. The pizzas are large so splitting 1 between 3 people will definitely fill you up. You can also get half of one kind and half of another, which is what I have always done. I am getting hungry just thinking about it! Below are my thoughts on a few from the menu:
Isabelle's: This is my favorite pizza Figs has to offer. The thin, crispy crust is topped with country ham, provolone, long pieces of asaparagus, and sweet onion. These ingredients mixed together allow for the most indulgent experience. I love the smokey ham and appreciate the fact that the provolone is not too overpowering. The onions bring a lot to the table in this pizza as well. They are sweet and add a little something. The asapargus is definitely the least obvious addition, but brings another sweet aspect to each slice.
Fig & Prosciutto: This pizza is covered in a wonderful layer of fig and balsamic jam, topped with prosciutto and sprinkle of gorgonzola cheese. This is one of those pizzas that needs to be paired with a more savory kind to offset the sweetness. All the same, this is a very decadent pizza. It is very sweet as a result of the fig spread, but slightly salty with the gorgonzola and prosciutto. I would recommend this for sure if you are found of figs because it is the opitome of a fig lovers dream.
Crispy Eggplant: I might be biased here since I love eggplant, but this pizza is truly delicious. I was originally hesitant to order this pizza because I am not a huge ricotta fan. Thankfully, I was convinced to confront my fear of the fluffy cheese, which is funny, because I like pretty much everything. The pizza is covered in tomato sauce, but not too much, which is great because you can really taste all of the other ingredients. Topping the sauce are large pieces of breaded eggplant, mozzarella, and basil leaves. This combination is a delight and feels pretty sinful. I love pairing this pizza with the Isabelle's.
Roasted Pulled Chicken: This is also delicious pizza. On the mild side, the chicken is topped with basil oil, carmelized onions, and gruyere cheese. This would be a good pick to go with the Fig and Prosciutto since it will balance the sweet with the savory.
Bronx Bomber: This is very similar to a normal pizza you would find at any other restaurant, only this is obviously better. The tomato sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella, and basil are the normal ingredients to any pizza, but the crust and minimal grease makes this one the best. This will hit the spot when looking for a tradition slice.
Red Sox: The Red Sox pizza is very, very yummy. Topped with caramelized onions, sweet sausage, roasted red peppers, mozzarella, mustard aioli, over a layer of tomato sauce, this is one fabulous pizza. I particularly love the mix of sweet and salty and the surprise zip of the mustard aioli. If you are looking to try something different but still want something similar to a traditional taste, I would definitely get the Red Sox.
There is nothing better than Figs in Beacon Hill for pizza. I will forever stand by this statement , that is until maybe a new Figs-like place comes around. The gourmet aspect really makes it different from other spots. The feel, people, and food give Figs something that other places cannot replicate. I will say that I did eat at the Figs in Charlestown and it doesn't even compare to the one in Beacon Hill. Keep up the good work Figs on Charles- you're the best around!
Figs on Charles is an extremely tiny and warm place. It would be wise to make a reservation if you have a party greater than two, as the place is usually packed. If you choose to walk in and chance it, people can always wait at the bar and sip on a glass of wine to prep themselves for a fabulous meal. I prefer to sit at the front of the restaurant away from the kitchen and oven. There is always great people watching on Charles Street and sitting at the two front tables is usually the most fun. The waitresses are usually very busy but also attentive despite the packed place and hungry clientele.
My usual routine for a night out at Figs is making a reservation, getting there early, and ordering a glass of red wine at the bar. Once seated, the waitress brings out a great bowl of bread paired with delicious, decadent olive oil. This focaccia style bread is dense yet light at the same time. Savoring this fantastic, garlicy piece of heaven while washing it down with a glass of wine really sets the mood for the oven baked pizza to come.
I am not one to order an appetizer at Figs since the pizzas are very filling, but on occassion I have tried a few. I am particularly fond of the Warm Bacon & Spinach Salad. This is a simple salad of spinach, parmesan, and a vinaigrette mixed with warm bacon. These flavors blend together to give each bite a fresh feel. I can definitely eat this salad alone but I would suggest 1 order split between 2 people in order to save room for the main course.
The Rhode Island Calamari is also a favorite of mine. I am always a fan of hot peppers with my calamari and this dish incorporates them well. Spearing a hot pepper, piece of crispy calamari, and a drizzling a touch of garlic and lemon aioli leads to phenomenal appetizer. One order can easily be split between 3 or 4 people.
Now on to the pizza. PIZZA.PIZZA.PIZZA.
I have never had a gourmet slice as good as the ones at Figs. I truly mean that. Their pizza is not super greasy, the dough is very thin, and the ingredients are fresh and interesting. The pizzas are large so splitting 1 between 3 people will definitely fill you up. You can also get half of one kind and half of another, which is what I have always done. I am getting hungry just thinking about it! Below are my thoughts on a few from the menu:
Isabelle's: This is my favorite pizza Figs has to offer. The thin, crispy crust is topped with country ham, provolone, long pieces of asaparagus, and sweet onion. These ingredients mixed together allow for the most indulgent experience. I love the smokey ham and appreciate the fact that the provolone is not too overpowering. The onions bring a lot to the table in this pizza as well. They are sweet and add a little something. The asapargus is definitely the least obvious addition, but brings another sweet aspect to each slice.
Fig & Prosciutto: This pizza is covered in a wonderful layer of fig and balsamic jam, topped with prosciutto and sprinkle of gorgonzola cheese. This is one of those pizzas that needs to be paired with a more savory kind to offset the sweetness. All the same, this is a very decadent pizza. It is very sweet as a result of the fig spread, but slightly salty with the gorgonzola and prosciutto. I would recommend this for sure if you are found of figs because it is the opitome of a fig lovers dream.
Crispy Eggplant: I might be biased here since I love eggplant, but this pizza is truly delicious. I was originally hesitant to order this pizza because I am not a huge ricotta fan. Thankfully, I was convinced to confront my fear of the fluffy cheese, which is funny, because I like pretty much everything. The pizza is covered in tomato sauce, but not too much, which is great because you can really taste all of the other ingredients. Topping the sauce are large pieces of breaded eggplant, mozzarella, and basil leaves. This combination is a delight and feels pretty sinful. I love pairing this pizza with the Isabelle's.
Roasted Pulled Chicken: This is also delicious pizza. On the mild side, the chicken is topped with basil oil, carmelized onions, and gruyere cheese. This would be a good pick to go with the Fig and Prosciutto since it will balance the sweet with the savory.
Bronx Bomber: This is very similar to a normal pizza you would find at any other restaurant, only this is obviously better. The tomato sauce, pepperoni, mozzarella, and basil are the normal ingredients to any pizza, but the crust and minimal grease makes this one the best. This will hit the spot when looking for a tradition slice.
Red Sox: The Red Sox pizza is very, very yummy. Topped with caramelized onions, sweet sausage, roasted red peppers, mozzarella, mustard aioli, over a layer of tomato sauce, this is one fabulous pizza. I particularly love the mix of sweet and salty and the surprise zip of the mustard aioli. If you are looking to try something different but still want something similar to a traditional taste, I would definitely get the Red Sox.
There is nothing better than Figs in Beacon Hill for pizza. I will forever stand by this statement , that is until maybe a new Figs-like place comes around. The gourmet aspect really makes it different from other spots. The feel, people, and food give Figs something that other places cannot replicate. I will say that I did eat at the Figs in Charlestown and it doesn't even compare to the one in Beacon Hill. Keep up the good work Figs on Charles- you're the best around!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
McGreevys- Back Bay
My friends and I decided that we need to start doing something active and fun during the week when we get together. Typically, this might involve a nice dinner and yoga night or cocktails and a trendy spot in the city- but no. We decided to get a little simpler and chic, for lack of better words, and ventured to trivia night at McGreevys in Back Bay for the past two Wednesday nights.
McGreevys is a fun Irish bar on Boylston, full of day drinkers on the weekend and professionals looking for a relaxed environment after work to grab a beer. My friends and I wanted to break up our weekly repetitive schedule and headed to the bar to challenge others in our trivia knowledge. I met a few of my friends there and walked to the back where trivia is held.
McGreevys has a great setting for trivia. Huge booths and long tables are set back from the bar located on the street. This gives trivia a more intimate feel, as we dont have to listen to loud T.V.s and guys cheering during Celtics games.
Both of the trivia nights I have attended, we decided that Hoegaarden would be our beer of choice, and trivia team name, for our stream of pitchers throughout the night. Reminding all of us of the fun nights we spend abroad in Europe, drinking a golden Hoegaarden really set the mood.
Hungry, happy, and ready to have a good time, we decided to order some food. McGreevys is definitely not an upscale restaurant by any means. If you are looking for a place with good bar food and not alot of jazz to your entree, this place is a good spot. Normally, my friends and I would love a fresh salad or truffle fries, but trivia and Hoegaardens call for some good grub to really bring it full circle.
So far, I have tried the Pulled Chicken Quesadilla. full of tomatoes and accompanied by a cilantro salsa, these were a delicious indulgence. This dish is typical to any bar food spot, but I enjoyed the crispiness of the tortilla and the cool salsa combination. I am a cilantro fan and would put it in everything if I could. If you are not a big cilantro person, I would skip the salsa. We split these between three people and I would suggest one order for a group that size.
We have also ordered the Macaroni & Cheese. This is one of those surprisingly amazing dishes that keeps tempting you to eat more. I love mac and cheese, and this particular version only supported my feelings of delight for such a comfort food. Served in a small deep bowl, this mac and cheese was filled with brocolli and smoked bacon. The perfect bite of the vegatable, meet, cheese, and noodle was sublime. I literally could not stop eating this oven baked meal. Two people could easily split an order. It looks small but the richness of the dish fills you up very quickly.
Lastly, the loaded nachos were ordered at one point. This pub food favorite was the standard nacho dish. The group I was with wanted to get the works on the side so that we could make our own. Although I am not a fan of this nacho making technique, I still enjoyed the dish. The ingredients were fresh, the cheese was plentiful, and the chips were crisp and delicious. We have a large group of 5 or 6 that shares one order. This paired with my Hoegaarden set a great mood for a brain wracking night of trivia.
The one thing I will say is that McGreevys should think about sticking another waitress in the back of the bar. The waitress that has been there both nights we have gone has definitely got a lot on her plate back. Although this takes away from the overall service, she was a great waitress all the same.
In terms of trivia, the host was entertaining and the questions were actually relatively difficult. Many of them were the type of questions where the answer was right at the tip of your tongue, but those are the best type at trivia night. This is a great place for a relaxing, fun night with friends. We are now making it a weekly event, so you will probably see me if you take this advice and go!
McGreevys is a fun Irish bar on Boylston, full of day drinkers on the weekend and professionals looking for a relaxed environment after work to grab a beer. My friends and I wanted to break up our weekly repetitive schedule and headed to the bar to challenge others in our trivia knowledge. I met a few of my friends there and walked to the back where trivia is held.
McGreevys has a great setting for trivia. Huge booths and long tables are set back from the bar located on the street. This gives trivia a more intimate feel, as we dont have to listen to loud T.V.s and guys cheering during Celtics games.
Both of the trivia nights I have attended, we decided that Hoegaarden would be our beer of choice, and trivia team name, for our stream of pitchers throughout the night. Reminding all of us of the fun nights we spend abroad in Europe, drinking a golden Hoegaarden really set the mood.
Hungry, happy, and ready to have a good time, we decided to order some food. McGreevys is definitely not an upscale restaurant by any means. If you are looking for a place with good bar food and not alot of jazz to your entree, this place is a good spot. Normally, my friends and I would love a fresh salad or truffle fries, but trivia and Hoegaardens call for some good grub to really bring it full circle.
So far, I have tried the Pulled Chicken Quesadilla. full of tomatoes and accompanied by a cilantro salsa, these were a delicious indulgence. This dish is typical to any bar food spot, but I enjoyed the crispiness of the tortilla and the cool salsa combination. I am a cilantro fan and would put it in everything if I could. If you are not a big cilantro person, I would skip the salsa. We split these between three people and I would suggest one order for a group that size.
We have also ordered the Macaroni & Cheese. This is one of those surprisingly amazing dishes that keeps tempting you to eat more. I love mac and cheese, and this particular version only supported my feelings of delight for such a comfort food. Served in a small deep bowl, this mac and cheese was filled with brocolli and smoked bacon. The perfect bite of the vegatable, meet, cheese, and noodle was sublime. I literally could not stop eating this oven baked meal. Two people could easily split an order. It looks small but the richness of the dish fills you up very quickly.
Lastly, the loaded nachos were ordered at one point. This pub food favorite was the standard nacho dish. The group I was with wanted to get the works on the side so that we could make our own. Although I am not a fan of this nacho making technique, I still enjoyed the dish. The ingredients were fresh, the cheese was plentiful, and the chips were crisp and delicious. We have a large group of 5 or 6 that shares one order. This paired with my Hoegaarden set a great mood for a brain wracking night of trivia.
The one thing I will say is that McGreevys should think about sticking another waitress in the back of the bar. The waitress that has been there both nights we have gone has definitely got a lot on her plate back. Although this takes away from the overall service, she was a great waitress all the same.
In terms of trivia, the host was entertaining and the questions were actually relatively difficult. Many of them were the type of questions where the answer was right at the tip of your tongue, but those are the best type at trivia night. This is a great place for a relaxing, fun night with friends. We are now making it a weekly event, so you will probably see me if you take this advice and go!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Toro- South End
Last night I had the chance to try out the popular and frequently talked about Toro, located in the South End of Boston on Washington Street. I don't frequent the South End very often, but when I do I always try to find a new location to have a great meal or a drink with a friend or two. It happened to be my aunts birthday on Monday so she invited my other aunt and her two kids to join us in her celebration dinner. I got the text to meet them at Toro, as the birthday girl, Margaret, had be dying to give it a try.
After work in the financial district I walked about halfway over and then jumped in a cab in the miserable drizzle falling from the sky. When I finally got dropped off I had trouble spotting this little place. I walked into a fairly sized open room with high ceilings, long communal tables, and a spanish/western decoration. It smelled of cooking chorizo and was extremely homey despite its decor and size. I put our name in around 5:15pm for a table of 5 which I definitely suggest doing since the place really heated up around 6pm. The hostess was very welcoming and said that as soon as the entire party was here I we could be seated. Usually, I really dislike those "entire party must be here" type places, but I didn't mind sitting at the bar in this fun place.
While I waited for the rest of my group, I took a seat at the bar and enjoyed a glass of the Garnacha. This $5 a glass red was amazing. I would suggest this if you are a red person, and even if you aren't, I really think you still might like it. Soon the family was there and my aunt Mary wanted a glass of Malbec. Being a diverse and off the normal menu type place, Toro didn't have a Malbec. No fear. The bartender who had the most amazing spanish accent set up a nice tasting of all of the wines that were a similar to Malbec. They.know.their.wines.
We sat at one of the high communal style tables in the center of the restaurant in order to really be in the action and soak up the fun, buzzing atmosphere. My Aunt Mary along with my two cousins, Margie and Pat, had been here before and knew a lot about the menu, so they took the reigns. Pat just got back from a foreign exchange program in Spain so he was very familiar with Toros classic with a twist cuisine. I really had no idea what we were ordering as Pat rambled off all of the different delicious goodies but I later took a look back to check out exactly what we were having. In the meantime, we enjoyed absolutely delicious light and fluffy bread with a garlicy butter spread.
Like a conveyor belt, the food starting coming at rapid place. Known for their small dishes, it wasn't overwhelming, just exciting to see and smell all of the different things coming to our plates.
The Datiles con Jamon (dates & ham) were absolutely cooked to perfection. They were crispy yet chewy and soft on the inside while the blue cheese complemented instead over overwhelmed as blue cheese can do. I would get a few orders of these as the dates come in pairs per order.
We also took a bite of the Jamon Serrano Redondo Inglesias which was fantastic. The pieces of ham were light, juicy, and flavorful. As a meat and cheese plate type of lady, this was really my cup of tea. One order of this was fine for our party of 5.
The Gambas al Ajillo were garlic shrimp in a to die for sauce that was not too powerful in its garlic taste but worth redipping your shrimp into to get another taste. I believe there were 5 or 6 shrimp in this dish so plan to order accordingly.
The Tortilla Espanola was FANTASIC. This was described as an omelet dish on the menu but really came as crispy, formed square pieces on the plate. On the inside, the fluffy egg held together the potato and onion to make a two bite square of unexpected delight. I would recommend getting two orders of this to share with a larger party like ours.
The Pato con Membrillo, also known as the smoked duck drumettes, were also wonderful. By the looks of it they seem like chicken wings but really, they taste like the most amazing bite of duck ever. They are covered in a sweet glaze and loaded with meat on the bone. I would say this is another example of a great meat to sauce ratio. One order is good for a taste.
The Colifor a la Plancha was a crowd favorite at the table. We ordered two of these little dishes of delight. The cauliflower is cooked in a raisin, pinenut, and spanish spice mixture which infuses the different flavored into the vegetable. The attributes really make the dish seem like something exciting and foreign but at the same time something you can make at home.
The Maz Asado con Alioli y Queso Conjita was by far the best thing on the menu. I cannot really do this dish justice through words,although I will try, so this MUST be your reason to visit Toro. The small ears of corn were covered in a creamy butter and shaved cheese sauce, pepper, and lime. These were extremely decadent and delicious. The corn was dense and juicy and the sauce was think and creamy, but really hit the spot. The group of girls next to us watched us eat it in silence with huge smiles on our faces, which sold it to them when they ordered a few minutes later. I would order a few orders of this. We got two and could have easily eaten more.
To top everything off, we also had the most delicious churros off the dessert menu. Complete with a candle for my aunts birthday, we drizzled and dipped them in chocolate. I must say, having been to Spain and enjoyed churros in their natural habitat, Toro did a great job of making them in good old Boston.
All in all, Toro is a great spot for having dinner with friends. The sharing of food provides for a social experience as everyone passes, tries, and talks about the creations coming their way.
After work in the financial district I walked about halfway over and then jumped in a cab in the miserable drizzle falling from the sky. When I finally got dropped off I had trouble spotting this little place. I walked into a fairly sized open room with high ceilings, long communal tables, and a spanish/western decoration. It smelled of cooking chorizo and was extremely homey despite its decor and size. I put our name in around 5:15pm for a table of 5 which I definitely suggest doing since the place really heated up around 6pm. The hostess was very welcoming and said that as soon as the entire party was here I we could be seated. Usually, I really dislike those "entire party must be here" type places, but I didn't mind sitting at the bar in this fun place.
While I waited for the rest of my group, I took a seat at the bar and enjoyed a glass of the Garnacha. This $5 a glass red was amazing. I would suggest this if you are a red person, and even if you aren't, I really think you still might like it. Soon the family was there and my aunt Mary wanted a glass of Malbec. Being a diverse and off the normal menu type place, Toro didn't have a Malbec. No fear. The bartender who had the most amazing spanish accent set up a nice tasting of all of the wines that were a similar to Malbec. They.know.their.wines.
We sat at one of the high communal style tables in the center of the restaurant in order to really be in the action and soak up the fun, buzzing atmosphere. My Aunt Mary along with my two cousins, Margie and Pat, had been here before and knew a lot about the menu, so they took the reigns. Pat just got back from a foreign exchange program in Spain so he was very familiar with Toros classic with a twist cuisine. I really had no idea what we were ordering as Pat rambled off all of the different delicious goodies but I later took a look back to check out exactly what we were having. In the meantime, we enjoyed absolutely delicious light and fluffy bread with a garlicy butter spread.
Like a conveyor belt, the food starting coming at rapid place. Known for their small dishes, it wasn't overwhelming, just exciting to see and smell all of the different things coming to our plates.
The Datiles con Jamon (dates & ham) were absolutely cooked to perfection. They were crispy yet chewy and soft on the inside while the blue cheese complemented instead over overwhelmed as blue cheese can do. I would get a few orders of these as the dates come in pairs per order.
We also took a bite of the Jamon Serrano Redondo Inglesias which was fantastic. The pieces of ham were light, juicy, and flavorful. As a meat and cheese plate type of lady, this was really my cup of tea. One order of this was fine for our party of 5.
The Gambas al Ajillo were garlic shrimp in a to die for sauce that was not too powerful in its garlic taste but worth redipping your shrimp into to get another taste. I believe there were 5 or 6 shrimp in this dish so plan to order accordingly.
The Tortilla Espanola was FANTASIC. This was described as an omelet dish on the menu but really came as crispy, formed square pieces on the plate. On the inside, the fluffy egg held together the potato and onion to make a two bite square of unexpected delight. I would recommend getting two orders of this to share with a larger party like ours.
The Pato con Membrillo, also known as the smoked duck drumettes, were also wonderful. By the looks of it they seem like chicken wings but really, they taste like the most amazing bite of duck ever. They are covered in a sweet glaze and loaded with meat on the bone. I would say this is another example of a great meat to sauce ratio. One order is good for a taste.
The Colifor a la Plancha was a crowd favorite at the table. We ordered two of these little dishes of delight. The cauliflower is cooked in a raisin, pinenut, and spanish spice mixture which infuses the different flavored into the vegetable. The attributes really make the dish seem like something exciting and foreign but at the same time something you can make at home.
The Maz Asado con Alioli y Queso Conjita was by far the best thing on the menu. I cannot really do this dish justice through words,although I will try, so this MUST be your reason to visit Toro. The small ears of corn were covered in a creamy butter and shaved cheese sauce, pepper, and lime. These were extremely decadent and delicious. The corn was dense and juicy and the sauce was think and creamy, but really hit the spot. The group of girls next to us watched us eat it in silence with huge smiles on our faces, which sold it to them when they ordered a few minutes later. I would order a few orders of this. We got two and could have easily eaten more.
To top everything off, we also had the most delicious churros off the dessert menu. Complete with a candle for my aunts birthday, we drizzled and dipped them in chocolate. I must say, having been to Spain and enjoyed churros in their natural habitat, Toro did a great job of making them in good old Boston.
All in all, Toro is a great spot for having dinner with friends. The sharing of food provides for a social experience as everyone passes, tries, and talks about the creations coming their way.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Artu- Beacon Hill
I had yet to visit Beacon Hill's Artu location before last Thursday. On my walk home from work, I habitually peaked down into the below street level cubby of a restaurant and thought, " I must come here, as in, NOW." This past Thursday my fabulous cook of a mom came to town. In typical fashion, she asked me to make a reservation at a "fun, ethnic place." Now, I would never think of an italian restaurant as ethnic, but I have heard such great things about Artu that I convinced her to stray from her one track mind and come along with me. My roommate and fellow foodie, Heather, recently went to Artu and raved for days about the amazing food, which further reinforced my choice.
Inviting Heather along, us three women beared the rain and walked the 300 yards to Artu. We were welcomed by two women who showed us to our primo table located beneath the street level window. Settled in our booth, we decided that a great bottle of Chiraz was a fantastic choice for a chilly night, paired with italian deliciousness. We were told that the meat and cheese plate, Assagio, would be perfect for three people with an affinity for meat and cheese. We also decided to split three dishes. We chose the Tagliatelle con Piselli e Prosciutto, the Pollo Farcito alla Donato, and the Spinach Ravioli special which was topped with shrimp and a light scampi sauce.
Little did we know, this was perfection in italian food form. I don't think we will venture to the North End for a while after this little bomb of fabulousness.
Our Assagio appetizer came to the table and it was DEFINITELY enough for three people. It was full of various italian meats, mozzarella, provolone, grilled vegetables, and roasted red peppers. This paired with the fresh french bread and olive oil at the table, we were in heaven. We sat back and leisurely ate our appetizer and sipped on our Chiraz and chatted about the authentic atmosphere and the intimate feel.
Just as we were finishing our Assagio, our amazing meals came, courtesy of the nice older lady who waited on us. Each of us had seperate plates and passed around the three dishes, too excited to even speak. Once we took a moment to actually stop and look at the dishes, we poured another glass of wine and dug in.
The tagliatelle was absolutely sinful. The cream sauce was thick but not overbearing and really allowed for the flavors of the procuitto, peas, onions and thyme to come out. I am personally a big fan of the texture of this flat pasta, so this combination was insanely delicious, in my opinion of course. I would recommend splitting this dish with someone because it is extremely filling, especially if your table has ordered appetizers.
The chicken was beyond mouthwatering as well. The chicken, which was accompanied by roasted potatoes, articokes and roasted red peppers to make a perfect bite, was a sight to see. The dish looked not only scrumptious but also, enormous. The spinach, mozzarella, and procuitto filling was spilling out of the crispy chicken, reminding me of a savory version of molten chocolate cake. As a group, we savored our first bit, piling on a little artichoke and red pepper garnish. My mom and I deduced that the chicken was most likely panko crusted, or something crispier than just normal breading. This chicken might just be the best stuffed chicken I have ever eaten in my life, and I have tried a lot of really great restaurant,s I will say. I will, without a doubt, order this chicken next time I go to Artu, which will probably be next week. It was tender, moist, and had the perfect stuffing to chicken ratio. The procuitto was not overpowering, but a perfect contribution to the dish.
Lastly, the spinach filled ravioli which was topped with shrimp and a light scampi sauce was very good. I will say, it was not the most inventive dish but it was very tasty. The raviolis were light and the butterflied shrimp really hit the spot.
I really wish we were able to fit in dessert, but honestly, we were too full to even finish our wine. Next time we will try the infamous canolis and a shot of expresso and/or the tiramisu which the gentleman sitting next to us was enjoying.
As we rolled our way back to our apartment, full, happy, and now extremely tired, my mom decided that ethnic food might not be her go to next time she comes. I have a feeling Artu might be her new favorite Beacon Hill spot for a good meal, great wine, and a fun atmosphere, because I think its mine.... for now!
Inviting Heather along, us three women beared the rain and walked the 300 yards to Artu. We were welcomed by two women who showed us to our primo table located beneath the street level window. Settled in our booth, we decided that a great bottle of Chiraz was a fantastic choice for a chilly night, paired with italian deliciousness. We were told that the meat and cheese plate, Assagio, would be perfect for three people with an affinity for meat and cheese. We also decided to split three dishes. We chose the Tagliatelle con Piselli e Prosciutto, the Pollo Farcito alla Donato, and the Spinach Ravioli special which was topped with shrimp and a light scampi sauce.
Little did we know, this was perfection in italian food form. I don't think we will venture to the North End for a while after this little bomb of fabulousness.
Our Assagio appetizer came to the table and it was DEFINITELY enough for three people. It was full of various italian meats, mozzarella, provolone, grilled vegetables, and roasted red peppers. This paired with the fresh french bread and olive oil at the table, we were in heaven. We sat back and leisurely ate our appetizer and sipped on our Chiraz and chatted about the authentic atmosphere and the intimate feel.
Just as we were finishing our Assagio, our amazing meals came, courtesy of the nice older lady who waited on us. Each of us had seperate plates and passed around the three dishes, too excited to even speak. Once we took a moment to actually stop and look at the dishes, we poured another glass of wine and dug in.
The tagliatelle was absolutely sinful. The cream sauce was thick but not overbearing and really allowed for the flavors of the procuitto, peas, onions and thyme to come out. I am personally a big fan of the texture of this flat pasta, so this combination was insanely delicious, in my opinion of course. I would recommend splitting this dish with someone because it is extremely filling, especially if your table has ordered appetizers.
The chicken was beyond mouthwatering as well. The chicken, which was accompanied by roasted potatoes, articokes and roasted red peppers to make a perfect bite, was a sight to see. The dish looked not only scrumptious but also, enormous. The spinach, mozzarella, and procuitto filling was spilling out of the crispy chicken, reminding me of a savory version of molten chocolate cake. As a group, we savored our first bit, piling on a little artichoke and red pepper garnish. My mom and I deduced that the chicken was most likely panko crusted, or something crispier than just normal breading. This chicken might just be the best stuffed chicken I have ever eaten in my life, and I have tried a lot of really great restaurant,s I will say. I will, without a doubt, order this chicken next time I go to Artu, which will probably be next week. It was tender, moist, and had the perfect stuffing to chicken ratio. The procuitto was not overpowering, but a perfect contribution to the dish.
Lastly, the spinach filled ravioli which was topped with shrimp and a light scampi sauce was very good. I will say, it was not the most inventive dish but it was very tasty. The raviolis were light and the butterflied shrimp really hit the spot.
I really wish we were able to fit in dessert, but honestly, we were too full to even finish our wine. Next time we will try the infamous canolis and a shot of expresso and/or the tiramisu which the gentleman sitting next to us was enjoying.
As we rolled our way back to our apartment, full, happy, and now extremely tired, my mom decided that ethnic food might not be her go to next time she comes. I have a feeling Artu might be her new favorite Beacon Hill spot for a good meal, great wine, and a fun atmosphere, because I think its mine.... for now!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Greetings from the Hill
The time has come. I have finally decided to start my blog and discuss something that everyone I know can relate to: food, drinks, and a good time. I have been living in Boston for over a year now and as a young person in their early 20s I am always trying out the new spots in the city for happy hour, cozy sunday brunch places, and trendy new dinner locations. My friends and I love great, interesting, and innovative food creations paired with a great glass of wine so I thought, what better to write about then that? Since I live in Beacon Hill, I have pretty much tried everything up and down Cambridge and Charles Street. I have posted up in a booth at 75 Chestnut, split a pizza and Pinot Noir at Figs, savored pad thai at the King and I, and enjoyed drinks during sports games at The Hill. I have alot to say about all of the spots in Beacon Hill and much more to say about all the other places around the city. My roommate and I are huge foodies, so naturally we gravitate to all things decadent and delicious. A meat and cheese plate in our apartment is perfection but we frequent a few places a week which I will give my thoughts on. As much as we love food, we can't eat 24/7 and must socialize with the rest of our crew which brings me to visiting all the fun bars and lounges in the city. Whether it be a small dive bar or a huge dueling piano bar, we are there. I frequent new places every week so stay tuned and get ready for me to test the city out for all of you.
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