Oot and Aboot

Because sometimes you just need a drink or 5 after a long Hump Day day in the office. But then again, when don't I need a drink. I headed over to Delux after work and Jen made me a refreshing margarita on the rocks with salt. For dinner I ordered a one of the specials: Pan Seared Salmon ($13.95) with potato fennel & pea salad.Oh! For you new readers as of late, Delux is a tiny, funky, relaxed, hip, local dive bar tucked away in Boston's South End neighborhood. They have strong drinks and satisfying comfort food. Long time readers - sorry if you tire of the Delux rant ("If I hear her tell me about her favorite bar one more time....") My drink and dinner last night were no exception. After my margarita I drank about three of these before we parted ways with our South End companions. I guess we weren't ready to call it a night though. Back in the North End we meandered into Lucca on 226 Hanover Street for a nightcap in the form of an Espresso Martini ($13) Svedka Vanilla Vodka, Kahlua and Baileys chilled with espresso. I winced at the $13 price tag, but the taste put me at ease. I've drank many an espresso martini at various North End establishments, and though it has been awhile, I proclaimed this one the best. A delicate blend of vanilla vodka, Baileys, Kahlua and smooth rich espresso, shaken to frothy perfection and topped with 3 espresso beans, this is dessert in and of itself. But somehow that didn't stop us from ordering one after checking out the real dessert menu. I remembered I had a decadent apple spice panna cotta here one late night long ago and the thought of dessert seemed like tradition? I decided on the Bread Pudding ($9) Banana-pecan bread pudding with bourbon-pecan ice cream, caramel sauce and creme Anglaise and it was to die for!

Check out the Dolce menu for yourself. I guarantee if you looked at it, you are swooning over the Goat Cheese Cheesecake. Adam doesn't like goat cheese, but I will be back to order it. The bartender Casey was a great guy. He was friendly and engaging and even seemed genuinely sad when we announced our departure to head home and watch Top Chef on the DVR.

[Top Chef Tangent]

My boy Alex pulled out a win!! I think he's creepy and shady as hell - pea puree stealer!! But he's "my boy" cause I picked him along with Black Lightning (Kenny) in the TC Pool that you wish you were a part of because the weekly emails rock. Have you been watching? Who do you want to win?!