And what better way to conclude an amazing season of meals. Technically flex time wraps on September 3rd, but since I have big plans for Labor Day Weekend it is with bittersweet emotions I write my last post in the series. I know, it is silly to feel emotion towards an event I made up, but it's more than that. It's back to normal 8 hour days and 5 day weeks, it's saying goodbye to summer in the city, it's the change of the seasons, it's the passing of time. As much as it is familiar change and as much as I embrace Fall; there are parts of me that wants to hang onto neighborhood strolls in the sweltering heat, sun drenched days in the park, lunches on patios and Friday's off....
So for the last time this season - lets do lunch!
Woodward is a Modern Day Tavern located at 1 Cross Street in the luxury boutique Ames Hotel. I wasn't sure exactly what to expect as I had never been inside before. I was greeted first by the doorman and second by a mobile of sparkling silver branches.
Pretty cool huh? I strolled into Woodward where I debated with the hostess if I should sit inside or out. I only questioned because the interior was so sharp and inviting - but the weather was way to nice for me to even be debating. She offered me a seat at the bar while she cleaned off a table for one on the patio. 
I pulled up a red leather chair and felt welcome as the group of staff to my right who seemed to be really enjoying themselves at work (nice to see that!) acknowledged me with smiles and nods. The bartender offered me a water as I scanned the cocktail menu. It became clear right away that these are not your ordinary drinks. Woodward's list of handcrafted and innovative cocktails presented me with a tough decision.
Go big or go home right?
The bartender seemed impressed with my choice. He got right to it, slicing the jalapeno, muddling the cranberries, measuring the agave nectar and crafting me one of the best cocktails I've ever tasted, hands down. Also one of the most expensive. With tax it was $15 and after tip this was a $17 cocktail. I know. Like I said, go big or go home.
The layers of flavor evoked in a single sip are pure genius. First you taste the tartness of the cranberries and the ever so slightly sweet notes of agave nectar. Then the heat of the jalapeno seeps in slowly before it finishes with a kick. Unexpected at first but a welcome spicy hot kick none the less. The Don Julio Blanco is definitely the right tequila to pair with the range of spicy, tart and sweet ingredients. Conceptually the Hot Nantucket Night is a masterpiece. Who thinks to pair ingredients like cranberries and jalapenos? Seriously. Wow. My table was ready shortly there after my life changing experience at the bar.
Forget the roof deck scene, I am pretty sure I just found the hidden gem of all hidden gems out here on Woodward's patio, right there in the middle of Downtown Crossing and Government Center. Sometimes these undiscovered spots are right under your nose. Or maybe I'm the only one who gets excited about city scape and clock tower views. Either way.
The historic Old State House to my right, the vibrations of the T (Orange Line) running literally right underneath me, and skyscrapers surrounding at all angles, this is downtown Boston in one of her finest hours. In general I'm pretty content, but in this moment I found some sort of inner peace. 
Feel free to check out the menu. Then go ahead and make a dinner reservation.
The appetizer was a no brainier. The entree took a few seconds of debate between the burger and the scallops, but it was the dessert that really gave me some trouble. My waiter without hesitation told me which dessert I should order. He also smiled approvingly at my entree choice. "Best dish on that menu" he stated matter-of-factly.
Chilled Corn Soup with Roasted Corn and Jalapeno.
Let's just stare at that for a moment, shall we?
Jalapeno is fast becoming a theme of this meal! The heat it gave off in the soup was very subtle, with thin shreds of the pepper laced throughout. It actually complimented my Hot Nantucket Night cocktail quite well. Most importantly this bowl was full of creamy, comforting sweet corn flavors. The cold taste and velvety smooth consistency were magic to my taste buds. About every other spoonful welcomed crispy corn kernels. This soup achieved well balanced bites of delicate textures and bold flavors.
My waiter speaks the truth. The Seared Scallops with Corn and Bacon Succotash was the highlight of my meal.
Three large golden brown and crispy on the outside, white and springy on the inside scallops sat over a hearty pile of succotash. Yet another theme I'm embracing at this lunch - corn! I welcomed those sweet kernels once again, along with small but hearty cubes of potato. 
And those little slices of bacon - I almost forgot the dish had bacon until I tasted the familiar bite of salty goodness. Scallops and bacon, a classic pairing we all know and love was elevated to an incredible dish honoring one of summers favorite vegetables.
So, I actually noticed I require at least four shots of a dish to capture it fully to my liking. 
I'm pretty sure this is border line OCD. 
Time to give you a rundown of the atmosphere, because really, a restaurant review post wouldn't be complete without that either. 
The contemporary meets rustic meets comfy patio furniture meets bustling city streets vibe is really something else. In a good way! You've got elegant Victorian tables on the one hand, next to rustic stone surfaces with legs in the form of wooden tree branches (my table - couldn't get a good photo of the legs actually sitting there) on the other hand. 
You've got high backed wicker chairs, next to steel industrial cafeteria style seats, next to wooden benches with comfy pillows. It is basically a hodge-podge of random furniture out on that patio, but it works.
The perimeter is outlined with green rectangular shrubs and dotted with red umbrellas.
For my dessert course I was going to choose the poached peach with almond cake and whipped cream. Going to....
The man did not steer me wrong. He understood the menu and was overall a really great waiter. I enjoyed his quick and to the point but also really genuine service.
Oh hello Warm Brownie Sundae with Peanut Butter Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce.
As I'm photographing, I'm watching the chocolate sauce and sliced almonds form an avalanche down the slopes on that mountain of peanut butter ice cream. I could barely contain myself.
The peanut butter ice cream was insanely good. I will say I prefer my brownies a little more moist and chewy. This one was a tad rough around the edges. It wasn't a huge deal. Overall I thought it was awesome. What else can you say about a brownie sundae? I almost finished all of it. After two full courses I'd say I did a pretty respectable job.
Oh I'm sorry, I seemed to have slipped into the land of oblivion and forgot I was getting all this for twenty dollars and ten cents. (What are you talking about a seventeen dollar for one drink bar tab!?) Ancient history. Full and happy, it was time to explore the Ames Hotel, obvi.
Quick shot of Woodward's upstairs interior before I made my way out to the hotel balcony. 
And into the stairwell.
And finally back down to the lobby. 
Where randomly placed black and white pieces of furniture made bold statements.
Can I move in? I'm imagining the rooms are just as aesthetically pleasing. 
Don't worry, I didn't photograph all of it should you decide to come here and want to be surprised.
It has been a rewarding summer of Friday lunches to say the least. I've experienced just about every type of Boston restaurant, traveling to various neighborhoods to broaden my horizons and just explore. I embraced the concept of eating out alone, and truly enjoyed doing so. I've also spent some memorable afternoons in the company of best friends and family. I hope you've enjoyed reading this series of posts as much as I've enjoyed writing them. Until next summer.....
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