When I got an email invitation from Seth Resler a month ago about the first Mystery Meet, taking place on Tuesday, July 13th I was admittedly hesitant to commit. Just what is this all about and who else gets invited anyways?! But I guess those questions represent the premise of a mystery now don't they? The real deal behind Seth's latest initiative is to gather passionate foodies to dine at a new Boston restaurant once a month. The secret restaurant location was revealed through a series of hints posted on the website each week:
Hint #1: It's in Cambridge
Hint #2: The owner of this restaurant has more than one dining establishment in the area of BostonHint #3: Technically speaking, the name of this Cambridge Restaurant is inaccurate.
The Reveal
I've heard a lot of buzz about Ten Tables since the opening of the original location in Jamaica Plain. I even received this comment on my post about Mooo last month from Shari: "I wish we had known about Mooo when we were up there last summer, I think our best meal was at Ten Tables in Cambridge, check it out if you haven't yet." Thanks Shari, I appreciate the recommendation!
My hesitation quickly turned into excitement and intrigue as I set out on the Red Line to Harvard Square. I enjoyed a peaceful walk through a new neighborhood,
taking in the sights as I strolled down Brattle Street.
Buildings line the street which I think are part of Harvard University campus, though I'm not positive.
This might just be a cool looking house.
Either way, there is much to discover in picturesque Cambridge. I arrived at 5 Craigie Street and descended into the restaurant hidden below a residential complex just as it was nearing the 8:30 reservation time. 
The rest of the "mystery" crew of bloggers trickled in around then as well. Our party was a bit larger than the cozy basement space could accommodate at one table. Plus - this place was packed for a Tuesday evening! I was seated at a table for seven with Michelle, her Fiancee Bret, Meghan, Megan, Rachel and Justin. It was pretty cool to actually meet in person the wonderful ladies behind some of the blogs I've followed for months now. (Justin doesn't have a blog, but is a passionate foodie following events via Twitter. I was happy to meet him as well!)
I ordered The Gaston 76 ($9) White Lillet with Cucumber and Tarragon on the rocks. The drink received oohs and aahs as it was placed in front of me. Presentation was spot on with three overlapping slices of cucumber and a lemon garnish. Slightly sweet, light and refreshing - it was a perfect blend to wash down all that I was about to consume.
One word: Rolls. Thanks goodness. I was ravenous. Crusty on the outside, chewy on the inside, dipped through a pool of no frills, simply delicious-on-its-own olive oil.
The group was participating in a $40 prix fix tasting menu, sans actual menu. (If the dish served is currently on the a la carte menu, actual price is noted.) Is it safe to assume we will be served 3 courses in appetizer-entree-dessert fashion? The mystery continued throughout the course of the evening. Now that I was relaxed and settled into the refined yet homey dining room with my new friends, I embraced this aspect of mystery!
Our appetizer. Oh my gosh our appetizer. Prosciutto Americano with Asparagus, Fava Beans, Shaved Pecorino, Walnuts & Black Truffle Vinaigrette ($12).
Simply prepared organic ingredients like the small tender bites of asparagus, thinly sliced prosciutto, and the addition of breakfast radish, were taken to the next level when coated in a luxurious drizzle of truffle oil.
Topped with sweet candied walnuts and sharp pecorino cheese - a multitude of textures and flavors paired to create a positively brilliant dish. For my entree I was served Cape Cod Bluefish with Yellow Indian Woman Beans, Sugar Snaps, Pea Tendrils & Spicy Spanish Chorizo Sauce ($23).
Cape Cod bluefish?! My heart smiled at this mention. Indian Woman Beans? Completely new to me. But how fun do they sound? I was impressed yet again at the variety tastes, textures and colors combined on one plate. The bluefish was cooked perfectly, with the thin layer of crisp skin in tact.
The Spanish Chorizo provided a bold, but not-to-intimidating spicy flavor.
OK seriously, am I a judge on Top Chef right now? My eyes widened in shock at the sight of what was delivered next. A second entree?! And an all time favorite protein of mine at that! The waiter noted this was a new special, just recently created. Berkshire pork chop with saffron and chipoltle butter over of a bed of creamed corn.
The pork chop was so tender and flavorful, it might be one of the best cooked chops I've ever tasted. And I've ate my fair share of pork. The chipoltle butter added warm spicy flavors and provided a fascinating presentation. 
The golden corn kernels in a velvety sweet cream that was not to rich for a summer dish nor to light to hold up to the pork, was spot on. I began to feel full mid-dish but cleaned my plate knowing I might never taste pork this good again.
I still had room in me for a fourth course, which was obviously going to be dessert. Ten Tables awed once again when we were presented with this:
Call it what you will. A palate cleanser / a dessert prequel / a strawberry buttermilk shooter. It was delightful. The formal name: Native strawberry coulis with buttermilk sorbet. Around this time Chef Dave Punch, can of Pabst Blue Ribbon in hand, came and visited with our tables for a few minutes. It was clear the chef is passionate about supporting local organic farmers whenever possible. He seemed like a real good guy. I was ecstatic once desserts were served. Placed in front of me was a Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with strawberries in a saba (sweet balsamic) sauce and a candied pistachio topping.
Across from me, Megan was served the signature Chocolate Terrine with Sea Salt & Thai Basil Ice Cream ($8).
We pushed our plates to the center of the table to share and gushed over the new spin Greek yogurt gives to the panna cotta - a longtime favorite dessert of both of ours. The thick rich chocolate terrine with a welcome pop of salt was incredible. We continued to rave about just how much we love basil, and to put it in ice cream is pure genius. We raved right along with the rest of the table, as we finished every last morsel of the luscious indulgent desserts.
Not the prettiest picture to leave you with, such is documenting reality. By the time us public transportation folk walked off our food comas and hopped the train home, it was nearing 11:45. When my head hit the pillow I clocked in at 12:10. It was all worth it for an excellent meal and my first legit Boston blogger meet-up! Ten Tables far and away surpassed my expectations. This cozy and sophisticated neighborhood locale is mindful of a philosophy we can all agree with. Striving to provide seasonal, local, organic, high quality food, Ten Tables succeeds with flying colors (literally, did you see those dishes!?) and comes very highly recommended.
A big thanks to Seth for his successful efforts in gathering us in such a unique and intriguing manner. Can't wait to see where next months Mystery Meet will be held!
And with that, I'm off to watch the real Top Chef.
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