The evening started with the tree lighting at the hotel. We were lucky enough to be joined by some friends who recently moved to the 'burbs (they are really happy and that's awesome for them so I'm not judging, I promise...too each his own.) It was nice that we were still able to get together and do something in the city. They always have a band playing Christmas Carols and it's just a fun way to kick off the season.
The tree isn't like the big ones in Boston but it's nice. This year it took them a couple of "count downs" to actually light the tree and I kind of felt like we were in that scene from Christmas Vacation. They finally got the trees lit and we all got our pictures taken with the tree before heading to the next stop for the evening.
Usually we eat in Harvard Square (because that makes sense) but I was disappointed that I couldn't get reservations for Toscano's a week in advance and I couldn't think of a replacement restaurant in the Square so I decided it would be fun to go to Bin 26 on Charles Street.
I'm so glad we did this. Charles Street is the quintessential Beacon Hill Street and the perfect place to get in the holiday spirit. We had fun strolling down the street on our way to the restaurant.
I've raved about Bin 26 a few times before and I'll rave about it again. Everything is just lovely in this cute, neighborhood spot. There's a bar and some seating at the front of the house and probably ten more tables in the back. The lighting is soft, the walls are papered in old wine labels, and it just looks like the place you would want to spend the night with friends. The staff is super friendly.
Since it's a wine bar, Bin 26's wine menu is intense. It's broken into tons of sections and the waitstaff is more than willing to help you navigate it. Normally I get a prosecco, but not here. The reds are just too good to pass up. We ordered a pinot noir from Oregon and it was delightful. We went a little crazy with the food and ordered a lot of the tapas to share, and some pasta dishes as well. Everything we got was delicious. I'm already dreaming of going back and getting the brushetta, olives, some salami, cheese, the meatballs, and the green beans (they are really, really good.)
After dinner we wanted to extend the evening so we decided to walk around and find a place for dessert. We didn't walk very far. Our "journey" took us across the street to the Beacon Hill Bistro. I'd always wanted to check this place out and was pleasantly surprised when they gladly sat us for dessert and drinks, even though it was only about 8:30. The bistro is a galley style dining room done up in old fashioned black and white tile, marble tables, and brown cushion benches. That's totally my style and I loved it immediately.
I loved it even more when I discovered they had a sea salt caramel on the dessert menu. When I was in Paris my friend kept raving about this ice cream. She was laser focused on us getting some and we planned a whole afternoon around being in the right spot for it. I ordered the sea salt caramel ice cream and was blown away. It was delicious, and much like all of the other food I ate in France, I have been trying to find it here in the city.
Oh! My! Gosh! The sea salt caramel ice cream at the Beacon Hill Bistro is to die for! Seriously, it is delicious and they even top it with homemade cracker jacks! Dessert at this place will definitely be repeated in the near future.
We had a fun time talking about vacation ideas, holiday happenings, new jobs, and lots of other things. It was truly a great way to start the holiday season. Added bonus, it wasn't that cold so JO and I walked home (some much needed exercise for me since I've barely been active since the middle of October.) Here's hoping we both stay healthy so we can enjoy the rest of December!
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