As one can see, it is now well into the second week of June and I am just getting to complete May updates. The following are a very short recap, from what I can actually remember, about our food adventures from May. It was a very busy month and June is not showing any signs of slowing down…so bear with me.
5/6/2023: #44
Fun night out for a late night dinner in Chinatown at Shojo. We started at the bar for a cocktail while waiting for our table, which we were lucky enough to snag in corner at the window. We almost stayed at the bar to eat, but I am glad we moved because I think my husband would have been completely distracted by the awesome Kung-Fu movie playing.
If you venture here…go hungry and bring friends for sharing because everything on the menu looks amazing. We started by noshing on duck-fat fries which are served with a sriracha aioli and calamari which tasted wok-fried with salt and pepper, so light and crispy. Absolutely delicious. We then each feasted on bulgogi beef bao buns, hoisen BBQ spare ribs and chicken and waffles. Yummy cocktails round out the menu and of course, a Saki to share. All in all, if you find yourself wandering through C-town, do not hesitate to stop here to dine.
5/7/2023: #36
Always love a full weekend of dining out and tonight, we ventured to Chickadee, a happening little place tucked into the Innovation and Design Building at at the Boston Seaport. Chickadee could easily become one my new favorites and I will recommend this place to anyone looking for an easy night out.
First, the food and cocktails are amazing. This place could without a doubt, move up into the 25. We started with the smoked sea trout dip, which is served with rye chips. At the recommendation of our server we shared the squid ink fusilli, one of their signature dishes and of course, the fried chicken which is served with a side of cheddar biscuits and mouth-watering honey-butter.
Whatever you order, please be sure to leave room for dessert.
Second, the service was superb. Our waitstaff was funny, accommodating, made great recommendations on what to share and why. You can tell this team really enjoys their work here. The atmosphere is inviting and since it was a lovely night, we sat outside on the large covered patio and watched seagulls…which were remarkably well-behaved.
Third, always thrilled to drive to a restaurant in Boston that has ample free parking! The IDB building is a very cool place to walk around and gaze into all the windows dreaming of new lighting, new bathroom fixtures, new rugs and new cabinets for every room in my house. You will need to walk around after eating here, because you will want to eat everything on the menu and your pants will be tight afterwards… trust me.
5/23/2023: #8
As most probably already know, my new favorite week-day hobby is eating out. This Tuesday was no exception as we popped in to Celeste. A tiny little place in Somerville with party-vibes: cool music, excellent cocktails and of course, amazingly rich Peruvian cuisine.
We sat at the bar, which is a tight space, but fun to watch the team cooking up their amazing dishes. I don’t even know where to start. If you have never really had good ceviche, start with that…but also try the causa, a spicy potato terrine. We had one with shrimp.
Next we had Carapulcra, a traditional chicken dish and seco de cardero con frejoles, a lab stew. both were to die for and we were smart enough to take these home because they were even better the next day, especially since I was able to share it with my work family.
You will be so stuffed after all this, but have dessert anyway.
5/26/2023: #49
To round out May, we meandered over to the south-end of Boston to try out Mida. Another venue that I would recommend without hesitation. The food was so inviting, the waitstaff extremely attentive and the atmosphere cozy enough for a first date, but accommodating enough for a larger gathering.
We started with the Fritto Misto: the calamari on this dish is buddied with clams, oysters and thin lemon slices, the cherry-glazed duck wings and warm foccacia. We were also delighted to get a sneak peak item, the asparagus with candied hazelnuts. When asked what we thought of the dish, I said put these on the menu immediately…which they are now.
We also had the spaccatelli al pesto and the short rib lasagna. Having grown up making pasta creations and lasagnas all my life…I bow down to the chef for this short-rib lasagna.
I am glad there were a lot of carbs to ingest, because I managed to have 2 glasses of red wine from my favorite region of Montepulciano. Lastly, a simple gelato to finish the night. Again, if you are looking for an excellent Italian meal, you will not be disappointed with Mida. If you are not up for the drive into Boston, I am quite sure their Newton location is just as pleasing.