Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Meat Pies, Martinis and More!

It's a pie, mate! After Brekky I made sure to purchase a mini meat pie to-go from KO Catering & Pies. These savory Australian treats can be kept refrigerated and popped in an oven preheated to 350 degrees for 20 minutes.A steaming flaky pastry stuffed with juicy flavorful beef and melted cheese, down under eats have proved a worthy cuisine in my book. I owe it all to owners Cara & Sam for bringing a taste of the outback to South Boston. You owe it to yourself to make way to 87 A Street for a taste of the coveted meat pies that even made Stuff Magazine's list of "Best 25 Things We Ate This Year". I'd have smothered this one in ketchup like they do in the homeland, but alas I seem to be down a bottle. In addition to meat and cheese they serve up a classic (meat only), a curried vegetable and an Irish beef stew pie.May I recommend a winter brew pairing? Standing up to the Aussie's meat pie is Blue Moon Winter Abbey Ale crafted with roasted malts, a touch of wheat and hint of Belgian sugar. This rich beer with caramel and toffee notes definitely pairs well with hearty cold weather dishes, stews and even chocolate desserts!Geoff & Drew's Double Fudge Chunk makes an appearance for dessert. Speaking of, last Thursday night pre G&D's cookie tasting at Clover I had the pleasure of joining some friends at Noir Bar for drinks and appetizers. Noir Bar is a sultry and intriguing cocktail den located inside the Charles Hotel at 1 Bennet Street in Harvard Square. Low movie theater-esque lighting, deep set black booths and red accented decor set the scene where an extensive 3 page drink list awaits. We each chose something vastly different. Megan's love of St. Germain steered her to the Signature "Film Noir" Drink menu for a Scarlet Street ($13) st. germain elderflower liqueur, blood orange purée, champagne.These next two drinks are off the "Case for Classic Cocktails" menu. I went with the Periodista ($12) myers’s dark rum, cointreau, apricot brandy & fresh lime. I was in the mood for a dark alcohol, so Myer's Rum fit the bill, but it was the apricot brandy that sold me. I also tend to gravitate towards drinks with fresh lime.Meghan warmed up with a Sazerac ($12) new orleans style – old overholt rye whiskey, peychaud’s bitters, simple syrup & a touch of ricard pastis.Emily joined us as well, her drink of choice was a glass of Malbec. Noir Bar offers a 5-4-3 happy hour deal known as Noir Bites where each week they feature a $5 flatbread, $4 sandwich and $3 snack. We munched on the 5 and the 3! Avocado dip ($3) sage, spicy tomato and walnut. I didn't get much spice or tomato, but I did appreciate the thick chunks of avocado and the creamy nuttiness of the walnuts. You can't beat a plate full of chips and glorified guacamole for $3! The Flatbread ($5) anchovies, capers, olive paste and goat cheese was expectedly salty.I haven't had much exposure to anchovies so this was fun to try! The flavors proved more balanced in the Grilled Flatbread ($10) made with Dried Peaches, Goat Cheese, Prosciutto & Balsamic Reduction with Arugula off the regular bar menu. Dried Peaches for the win! Noir Bar keeps it classy yet affordable. I would be content to linger over cocktails and 5-4-3 Happy Hour plates any day of the week.
Noir on Urbanspoon
Bringing up the rear in a week of good eating and drinking are some beloved, no stranger to the blog, North End favorites. Take out from local brick oven pizza joint Antico Forno as I headed home from Urban Grape's holiday party with a nice wine buzz, was just the ticket! Two pie's for Adam and I; a classic Margherita ($12) fresh buffalo mozzarella, plum tomato sauce and fresh basil drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and the inventive Vesuvio ($15.50) Fresh imported buffalo mozzarella, roasted peppers, ricotta cheese, cherry tomatoes, finished with fresh sliced prosciutto. Antico Forno never dissapoints. And neither does Boston Common Coffee Co. A tasty Egg Nog Latte, made with half egg nog, half whole milk was warm and frothy with just a touch of sweetness. As I ventured to spend time with Adam's family in Quincy on Tuesday I sipped it while I rode the T. I haven't been cooking at all lately! And so it goes....

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