Browsing Tag

RESTAURANTS

BOSTON, FOOD, RESTAURANTS

On the Town: Rosé By-The-Glass Menu at Eastern Standard

Photo Courtesy of Eastern Standard

I feel like a broken record because I constantly say that summer in the city of Boston is like no other. That’s because it’s true! Between long strolls or jogs along the Charles, the multitude of sidewalk cafes, patios and roofdecks, Boston truly comes alive during the summer.

Another reason Bostonians cherish summer in the city is the abundance of fresh cuisine, innovative cocktails and chilled vino. Lately, I’ve been looking at the city through rosé colored glasses courtesy of delicious rosé wines. One of my favorite Boston restaurants, Eastern Standard, introduced a great rosé by-the-glass menu back in June and I jumped at the chance to speak with Wine Director Colleen Hein.

I certainly don’t pretend to be a wine expert, but Colleen was great with explaining the differences in rosés to me. She’s very knowledgeable and a delight to speak with, so definitely ask for her the next time you’re in if she’s available!

As a frequent guest at Eastern Standard (one of my top 5 patio’s in Boston), I asked Colleen to share three of her favorite food and rosé pairings. Here are her recommendations:

1) 2010 Chateau Commanderie de Peyrassol ($11 per glass) is described as a quintessential Provencal rosé and pairs perfectly with lighter faire, including grilled seafood and freshly shucked oysters (note: ES has a great raw bar!). Colleen mentioned that this was one of the first rosé wines to come in and it’s absolutely delicious. So magical, apparently, that it could make you think that you’ve actually left Boston and arrived in Provence. Sounds good to me!

2) 2010 Domaine Magellan Cinseault Rosé “Le Fruit Défendu,” ($8 per glass) is a touch sweeter, Colleen said, with a lift of wild strawberry as well as an herbaceous note of garrigue — a term used for a variety of herbs that sprout wild along the roadsides of Southern France. For this reason, it is perfect to order with grilled jumbo prawns, or dishes that feature pesto, as the flavors compliment the herbaceousness of the wine. From the sounds of it, I’d imagine that ES’s Moules Provençale would be good with this rosé.

 3) 2010 Margerum Rosé ($12 per glass) is the newest addition to Eastern Standard’s rosé list. Interestingly, this rosé is a more complex, deeply flavored wine and it pairs well with heartier dishes. Colleen recommends ordering this rosé  with ES’s Steak Tartare, or Charcuterie board (which changes daily at the restaurant). I adore a great charcuterie board, so this rosé is very tempting to me!

Eastern Standard’s Rosé By-The-Glass menu is available through October 10, 2011. I highly recommend scoring a spot on their coveted patio while enjoying a leisurely meal with friends.

 

RESTAURANTS, TRAVEL

Travel: Oh. My. Tartine

Tartine Chocolate Tea Cake by jasonlam from Flickr

Let’s just say that I didn’t go hungry during my recent trip to San Francisco. Between jaunts to La Boulange Bakery on Fillmore Street, A16 on Chestnut Street in the Marina, amazing macaroons from Paulette (‘Lette) in Hayes Valley, I was already a happy traveler. Then, I went to Tartine.

If the title of this blog entry is any indication, one visit to Tartine left me positively smitten. It’s exactly the type of bakery I need to live next door to. Chill yet chic, the interior is very simple, yet being there is a special experience. It’s light and airy, but has a unique buzz and vibe all its own. Oh, and then there’s the food!

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FASHION, RESTAURANTS, TRAVEL

Travel: Fillmore Street, San Francisco, CA

Interior of The Grove by Jessica Gioglio

It probably won’t come as a surprise to the more frequent readers of this blog, but I adore charming little restaurants and boutiques. When traveling, I purposefully seek out places like San Francisco’s Fillmore Street that contain a mix of both. Delightful, yet not overly posh, this street is situated in the city’s beautiful Pacific Heights neighborhood, and is perfect for a lunch and shopping jaunt.

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BOSTON, ENTERTAINING, FOOD, RECIPES

My Boston Valentine

Let's Make a Heart by thefleeg From Flickr

Overly expensive pre-fixe meals? Ridiculously huge heart-shaped boxes of chocolates? Unnecessary amounts of red roses? I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not a fan of the hoopla surrounding Valentine’s Day. Therefore, in the spirit of celebrating Boston’s simple pleasures, I’ve decided to share a few of my top picks for quality vendors, nibbles, and more that will brighten up your Valentine’s Day in the city, without costing too much. From romantic, to indulgent, to DIY, these places, treats and ideas are special throughout the year, but are also Valentine’s Day appropiate. Please consider this my Valentine’s Day gift to you. Mwah!

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BOSTON, NIGHTLIFE, RESTAURANTS

Closed! Three Hotspots I’m Missing in 2011

Rocca by SoWa Sundays from Flickr

As I look forward to many nights on the town in 2011, I can help but feel a twinge of sadness that three of my go-to hotspots – Rocca, Vox and Ginger Park – are no longer open.

Ginger Park closed in early December and according to the Boston.com blog Dishing, chef/owner Patricia Yeo is reportedly scouting out another space for a new restaurant concept in May.  What I’ll remember is the incredibly cool space framed by arched wood panels, fantastic drinks and a chill bar scene.

Following a New Year’s Eve dinner, Rocca surprised local foodies by closing its doors.  Adding to the buzz was whether the restaurant’s celebrity chef Tiffani Faison may be interested in opening her own place.  We can only hope that a fun new restaurant concept takes its place, because I’ll remember Rocca’s free parking lot, swanky interior and affordably priced menu for making it a great venue for meeting friends from all corners of the city for a workweek dinner.

Last, but certainly not least, Vox on Boylston Street has also closed.  Unfortunately, googling has not generated much background as to why the fun nightspot closed, but we can only hope that its prime Back Bay real estate will result in another fun bar/restaurant before we know it.  I’ll remember many lively happy hours and nights out on the town!

Got any scoop about soon-to-be restaurants and hotspots filling these venues? Leave a comment below and let me know!