One of my good friends is moving to Portland, Oregon at the end of the week so when she suggested L'Espalier as a spot to meet up for a farewell lunch I couldn't say no. I've walked past this restaurant often and always dreamed of going in.
Eating at L'Espalier is about so much more than just the food, although the food is incredible. L'Espalier is all about the experience. Upon entering, you are directed upstairs, via the elevator. When you get off the elevator the host is waiting for you and directs you to your table. We were lucky to get a big, round table with couch like seating. We got this table because we had some bags with us and they didn't want them to be in our way. The host even asked us if we needed extra pillows.
The lunch menu is actually pretty reasonable, for a restaurant of this caliber. I went with the lobster risotto and my friend got the chicken. We were served a "chef's tasting" to start which included baked gouda and an arugula emulsion mound. I'm not sure how to describe it. It was kind of like arugula foam and was actually sweet, and not at all bitter.
My lobster risotto was served with a brown butter emulsion, green beans, and micro-greens. The lobster was cooked perfectly and the risotto was perfectly creamy. My friend got the chicken which was served with a "creamed" corn powder and burnt eggplant cream. This is the kind of place where you are just in awe of what is being served to you. After lunch we enjoyed the chocolate soufflé dessert and reminisced about the last eight years in city. Boston certainly won't be the same without this friend but I have so many great memories in the city because of her.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Inman Forever
Last week JO and I celebrated the fact that our apartment keys turned into our condo keys. Back in December it looked like we might have to leave our beloved apartment but things worked out and we get to stay. I am so relieved that this all worked out!
Saturday, July 12, 2014
A Harvard Square Night
Last night JO and I decided to go to one of our favorite places, Nubar at the Sheraton Commander Hotel. We got married at this hotel two and half years ago and it certainly holds a special place in our hearts.
It was another beautiful summer night so we decided to eat on the patio, by the entrance to the hotel. I love, love, love what they have done by adding patio seating. You are sitting right in the middle of the old world charm and sophistication of the hotel. We will definitely be visiting this patio again before the end of outdoor dining season.
The food is always delicious here and last night's meals were epic. I mean, this clam chowder
was amazing! Those clams were so flavorful. JO is convinced they injected clam juice into the bellies of the clams :-) I tried the chicken, gnocchi, and chantrelle mushroom dish and it was phenomenal. Nubar has seasonal menus, and of all the chicken dishes they have had this was the best! I think they actually sautéed the gnocchi, which added even more flavor.
After a delicious dinner we headed over to the Legal's Patio Bar. It's like a little slice of Cape Cod in Harvard Square. The patio was rocking last night and it definitely reminded me of one of the classic Cape Cod beach bars. It was a perfect night for being outside!
It was another beautiful summer night so we decided to eat on the patio, by the entrance to the hotel. I love, love, love what they have done by adding patio seating. You are sitting right in the middle of the old world charm and sophistication of the hotel. We will definitely be visiting this patio again before the end of outdoor dining season.
The food is always delicious here and last night's meals were epic. I mean, this clam chowder
was amazing! Those clams were so flavorful. JO is convinced they injected clam juice into the bellies of the clams :-) I tried the chicken, gnocchi, and chantrelle mushroom dish and it was phenomenal. Nubar has seasonal menus, and of all the chicken dishes they have had this was the best! I think they actually sautéed the gnocchi, which added even more flavor.
After a delicious dinner we headed over to the Legal's Patio Bar. It's like a little slice of Cape Cod in Harvard Square. The patio was rocking last night and it definitely reminded me of one of the classic Cape Cod beach bars. It was a perfect night for being outside!
Aeronaut Brewery
A new microbrewery opened up in Union Square, conveniently right next door to Brooklyn Boulders. The other day JO and I were leaving the rock gym when the brewery caught our eye. More specifically, we were taken with the fun, festive "party" happening outside the brewery's open doors. We decided to check it out.
We liked what we saw! The taproom has a really cool feel, with an L shaped bar and several tables with plenty of seating. Outdoor seating, while minimal, is available. We decided to taste a few varieties and we were really impressed.
We liked what we saw! The taproom has a really cool feel, with an L shaped bar and several tables with plenty of seating. Outdoor seating, while minimal, is available. We decided to taste a few varieties and we were really impressed.
Out and About
We've been doing a lot of walking lately. It's one of the things I love about living in the city. Plus, on a city walk you never know what you will see!
Technically, these first two aren't really from a walk, unless you count walking downstairs to catch some ugly clouds.
There was an accident in our neighborhood that took at street signs, and apparently leaked some sort of liquid. I loved this commentary on the situation.
Surely you've heard of Keytar Bear. Well we spotted him at the Workbar last night!
Technically, these first two aren't really from a walk, unless you count walking downstairs to catch some ugly clouds.
There was an accident in our neighborhood that took at street signs, and apparently leaked some sort of liquid. I loved this commentary on the situation.
Surely you've heard of Keytar Bear. Well we spotted him at the Workbar last night!
I was in desperate need of new sneakers, so after rock climbing in Union Square we walked over to Porter Square. After securing new sneakers we grabbed dinner at the one and only Sugar and Spice. We used to have a Spice and Rice, a sister restaurant, in Inman but it closed last year. It was such a treat to enjoy the gyoza and chicken cashew nut while dining on their super cute patio.
Seaport to Kendall- an Epic Saturday in the City
JO and I spent the night of July 4th playing video games and surfing the web. As if reading each other's minds, we turned to each other in disgust and proclaimed that we needed a plan. So we decided that we would explore Castle Island, the ICA, and the Seaport District the next day.
The weather on Saturday was absolutely splendid. The sun was shining but it couldn't have been more than 78 degrees, and there was a lovely breeze to keep things cool. We drove over to Castle Island, rented some Hubways, and proceeded to bike around Castle Island. Everything was going splendidly...
...until we were informed that you can't actually ride your bike around Castle Island. I'm still dumbfounded about this. Wasn't Boston recently recognized as the biking capital of the world? Had JO and I really stumbled upon the only place in the city you can't bike ride? Isn't Castle Island, with it's loop around the Causeway, the perfect place for bike riding? Completely confused we returned our bikes and headed back to our cars.
We headed towards the ICA, and found metered parking, easily. JO decided we needed a bit of a pick me up after the biking debacle so he steered us towards the Atlantic Beer Garden where we stopped to grab lunch. The weather was perfect for sitting on their dock, with views of the World Trade Center and boat docks. We also had a first hand look at the jelly fish invasion, which I surmised must have been caused by the hurricane.
As we ate our lunch, which was surprisingly good, we watched a bride and groom do their first look pictures on one of the boats docked across the way. We also spotted our Justice of the Peace presiding over the ceremony. That was pretty fun!
After lunch we made our way to the ICA. I do love this museum but I have to say, some of the write ups that they hang next to the art are just hysterical. I tried not to laugh out loud as black and white striped canvases and trees in cement buckets were described "as life changing" pieces of art.
We made our way to the Jim Hodges exhibit, which I must say was fantastic. My favorite was this blue door:
After the ICA we walked along the harbor walk for a ways. Again, we both agreed that we don't do this walk enough. We joked that we could've ridden our bikes here.
On our walk we had spotted a new restaurant called Gather. There was something inviting about their patio, with stellar views of the harbor, so we made our way over. We both really liked this place, and when the table behind us ordered the steamers, we agreed we would come back because they smelled so good. Our good friend ended up joining us and we spent the afternoon enjoying the view and good company. I have to say I really enjoyed Gather, and was pleasantly pleased when a few days later it received a Best of award from Improper Bostonian.
We headed back to our apartment for some Mario Kart before hitting up Tommy Doyle's for dinner. Our other friends ended up meeting us at State Park for drinks. We sat outside, at one of their picnic tables, and just enjoyed the beautiful city evening. This is truly what city living is all about!
The weather on Saturday was absolutely splendid. The sun was shining but it couldn't have been more than 78 degrees, and there was a lovely breeze to keep things cool. We drove over to Castle Island, rented some Hubways, and proceeded to bike around Castle Island. Everything was going splendidly...
...until we were informed that you can't actually ride your bike around Castle Island. I'm still dumbfounded about this. Wasn't Boston recently recognized as the biking capital of the world? Had JO and I really stumbled upon the only place in the city you can't bike ride? Isn't Castle Island, with it's loop around the Causeway, the perfect place for bike riding? Completely confused we returned our bikes and headed back to our cars.
We headed towards the ICA, and found metered parking, easily. JO decided we needed a bit of a pick me up after the biking debacle so he steered us towards the Atlantic Beer Garden where we stopped to grab lunch. The weather was perfect for sitting on their dock, with views of the World Trade Center and boat docks. We also had a first hand look at the jelly fish invasion, which I surmised must have been caused by the hurricane.
 |
| This picture does not do the jelly fish invasion justice. |
After lunch we made our way to the ICA. I do love this museum but I have to say, some of the write ups that they hang next to the art are just hysterical. I tried not to laugh out loud as black and white striped canvases and trees in cement buckets were described "as life changing" pieces of art.
We made our way to the Jim Hodges exhibit, which I must say was fantastic. My favorite was this blue door:
After the ICA we walked along the harbor walk for a ways. Again, we both agreed that we don't do this walk enough. We joked that we could've ridden our bikes here.
On our walk we had spotted a new restaurant called Gather. There was something inviting about their patio, with stellar views of the harbor, so we made our way over. We both really liked this place, and when the table behind us ordered the steamers, we agreed we would come back because they smelled so good. Our good friend ended up joining us and we spent the afternoon enjoying the view and good company. I have to say I really enjoyed Gather, and was pleasantly pleased when a few days later it received a Best of award from Improper Bostonian.
We headed back to our apartment for some Mario Kart before hitting up Tommy Doyle's for dinner. Our other friends ended up meeting us at State Park for drinks. We sat outside, at one of their picnic tables, and just enjoyed the beautiful city evening. This is truly what city living is all about!
Happy July 3rd?
July weather seems to be just as unpredictable as winter weather here in New England. Like a hurricane on July 4th unpredictable. Due to the inclement weather, the city of Boston decided to move the 4th of July fireworks to July 3rd.
The date switch put a snag in our plans to watch the fireworks with friends. Instead, JO and I had dinner at Atwoods Tavern (note to self- do not go here on hot days, the ac is not good!) before heading down to the Charles River, at Kendall Square, to watch the fireworks.
As we made our way to a good viewing spot we took note of the gloomy sky off to the right, and the wind that was picking up. We checked the radar on our phones (because we are those people) and it appeared that a big storm was headed our way at about just the time the fireworks would be starting. We started to wonder if the producers would make any changes to the program as we settled in for the pre-fireworks concert and we were a bit annoyed when the announcers mentioned the perfect weather, since anyone looking at the radar knew there was a situation brewing. That aside, we had a lovely Boston skyline view, and we both agreed we needed to go for walks along this stretch of the river more often.
Sure enough, just as it became "1812 Overture" time, a rather big tradition here in Boston during the fireworks, the announcers told the crowds that the decision had been made to skip the overture and begin the fireworks. There were lots of groans from the crowd but they were drowned out by the booms of the fireworks. As usual, the fireworks were beautiful.
Once the fireworks ended we hightailed it home. The wind was blowing, the temps were dropping, and it was clear a storm was about to explode. One of the things I love most about the fireworks is the fact that we can walk home. No need to worry about parking, traffic, or getting on the T with thousands of other people. As we headed home we saw lots of flashing lights in the distance. The flashes were so bright we figured they were fireworks. As we turned onto Hampshire Street we realized those flashes were actually rather vivid bursts of lightning. I for one, am not ok with being out in lightning storms, as evidenced by my reaction a few years ago when there was a storm during the fireworks. JO was trying to convince me to keep going, that we would be home soon, and it would be fine. Just as I was getting ready to put my foot down, Mother Nature intervened.
I have never, ever seen it go from no rain to horrific downpour so fast as it did this time. I went into full emergency mode. Since we were mere steps to West Bridge I made the executive decision to run inside. About twenty other people decided to do the same thing. The poor hostess seemed a bit overwhelmed. By now the rain was just coming down in sheets and the lightning was looking pretty horrific. I figured we could grab a drink and wait out the storm, but much to my dismay, we were informed they had already called last call. We could have made a run for it across the way to Tommy Doyle's, all of twenty feet, but seriously that was not an option in this storm.
After a few minutes, the bartenders decided to open back up. We grabbed two seats at the bar, had a drink, and laughed about the adventure.
I had been feeling a bit annoyed over the past few days because we had had to cancel some city plans. A spontaneous, city adventure that I will look back on for many years, was just what I needed to shake that annoyance!
The date switch put a snag in our plans to watch the fireworks with friends. Instead, JO and I had dinner at Atwoods Tavern (note to self- do not go here on hot days, the ac is not good!) before heading down to the Charles River, at Kendall Square, to watch the fireworks.
As we made our way to a good viewing spot we took note of the gloomy sky off to the right, and the wind that was picking up. We checked the radar on our phones (because we are those people) and it appeared that a big storm was headed our way at about just the time the fireworks would be starting. We started to wonder if the producers would make any changes to the program as we settled in for the pre-fireworks concert and we were a bit annoyed when the announcers mentioned the perfect weather, since anyone looking at the radar knew there was a situation brewing. That aside, we had a lovely Boston skyline view, and we both agreed we needed to go for walks along this stretch of the river more often.
Sure enough, just as it became "1812 Overture" time, a rather big tradition here in Boston during the fireworks, the announcers told the crowds that the decision had been made to skip the overture and begin the fireworks. There were lots of groans from the crowd but they were drowned out by the booms of the fireworks. As usual, the fireworks were beautiful.
Once the fireworks ended we hightailed it home. The wind was blowing, the temps were dropping, and it was clear a storm was about to explode. One of the things I love most about the fireworks is the fact that we can walk home. No need to worry about parking, traffic, or getting on the T with thousands of other people. As we headed home we saw lots of flashing lights in the distance. The flashes were so bright we figured they were fireworks. As we turned onto Hampshire Street we realized those flashes were actually rather vivid bursts of lightning. I for one, am not ok with being out in lightning storms, as evidenced by my reaction a few years ago when there was a storm during the fireworks. JO was trying to convince me to keep going, that we would be home soon, and it would be fine. Just as I was getting ready to put my foot down, Mother Nature intervened.
I have never, ever seen it go from no rain to horrific downpour so fast as it did this time. I went into full emergency mode. Since we were mere steps to West Bridge I made the executive decision to run inside. About twenty other people decided to do the same thing. The poor hostess seemed a bit overwhelmed. By now the rain was just coming down in sheets and the lightning was looking pretty horrific. I figured we could grab a drink and wait out the storm, but much to my dismay, we were informed they had already called last call. We could have made a run for it across the way to Tommy Doyle's, all of twenty feet, but seriously that was not an option in this storm.
After a few minutes, the bartenders decided to open back up. We grabbed two seats at the bar, had a drink, and laughed about the adventure.
I had been feeling a bit annoyed over the past few days because we had had to cancel some city plans. A spontaneous, city adventure that I will look back on for many years, was just what I needed to shake that annoyance!
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