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Summer Lunch Series Part 4: Towne Stove & Spirits
Since the highly anticipated opening in late July of 2010, Towne fast became a Back Bay hot spot, their kitchen producing a variety globally inspired dishes that saw praise and criticism alike. I had heard plenty about the collaboration between the Lyons Group and duo of high caliber chefs that have long shaped the dining scene in Boston, Lydia Shire and Jasper White, to know this trendy venue was a must visit at some point in time. 
Even though that some point is a just shy of a year later and I was only stopping by for lunch on the patio, its easy to see why this exuberant two story space housing multiple bars and dining rooms is (pun intended) the talk of the towne. 
The patio situated in the courtyard directly underneath the Prudential Center on Boylston Street is a uniform expanse of heavy woven iron tables and chairs dotted with bright orange Aperol umbrellas. 
Green shrubs line the perimeter backed by brown rattan banquet seating. Only a few patrons were enjoying the outdoor space with a few more noted indoors, it was a quiet weekday afternoon. 
As I browsed the spirits menu and nothing particular caught my eye, I realized it was because I was craving a beer. 
I ordered the Notch Session Pils ($6) from Notch Session Brewing Co. in Ipswich, MA. My waiter explained this beer is lower in alcohol content because it is meant to be consumed in "sessions" or in other words, one after another. Sounds good to me, even thought I only planed on drinking one. I can always appreciate a knowledgeable waitstaff. 
The one page brightly colored laminated menu depicted the day-of-the-week specials and three divided sections: "soup+more", "garden+more" and "farm+sea". Seafood options seemed over priced with a Lobster Cobb salad set at $21, the Tuna Nicoise for $19 and the Crab Cake a whopping $19 as well. Perhaps they were worth it, but I wasn't in the mood to find out. The Deluxe 8 oz. All American Bacon Burger 70/30 ($16) took on a lengthy title and a little more appeal with a lower price point. Just like that, my burger craving took hold. 
The thick patty is a ground skirt (70%) and shortrib (30%) combo and the menu recommends you order it rare! I intended to go with my typical medium rare but figured why not have it as the chefs intended. They didn't steer me wrong. The burger was intensely juicy and well seasoned. The melted cheddar cheese was evenly proportioned and criss-crossed slices of bacon draped over the edges were greasy and lightly crisped. 
The stimulating presentation with a rainbow of colors in effect offered toppings including red onion and an entire perfectly ripe avocado half lending an ideal cool creamy contrast to the thick salty bacon. I generously stacked some on. 
The crisp dill pickle hit the spot. The toasted bun was warm and buttery with poppy seeds speckled in its crevices. 
Oh and lets not forget that sweet pepper relish. This took it over the top with just a dallop of sweetness, it wasn't overpowering to the components that make a burger a burger, it was simply there to add something different. Something new. I appreciated its presence. 
The pile of french fries is massive and you will be happy to know they are everything you want them to be. Good fries should strive to elevate a burger entree, these do just that. 
As far as their burgers and beer goes, I'm definitely a fan. 
Not to mention, the patio set just a few hundred feet back from the hustle and bustle of Boylston under a towering Prudential Center was an extremely peaceful location during this hour. The first July lunch was definitely a happy success. Way to go, Towne!
Have you been to Towne? What did you think?
Even though that some point is a just shy of a year later and I was only stopping by for lunch on the patio, its easy to see why this exuberant two story space housing multiple bars and dining rooms is (pun intended) the talk of the towne. 
The patio situated in the courtyard directly underneath the Prudential Center on Boylston Street is a uniform expanse of heavy woven iron tables and chairs dotted with bright orange Aperol umbrellas. 
Green shrubs line the perimeter backed by brown rattan banquet seating. Only a few patrons were enjoying the outdoor space with a few more noted indoors, it was a quiet weekday afternoon. 
As I browsed the spirits menu and nothing particular caught my eye, I realized it was because I was craving a beer. 
I ordered the Notch Session Pils ($6) from Notch Session Brewing Co. in Ipswich, MA. My waiter explained this beer is lower in alcohol content because it is meant to be consumed in "sessions" or in other words, one after another. Sounds good to me, even thought I only planed on drinking one. I can always appreciate a knowledgeable waitstaff. 
The one page brightly colored laminated menu depicted the day-of-the-week specials and three divided sections: "soup+more", "garden+more" and "farm+sea". Seafood options seemed over priced with a Lobster Cobb salad set at $21, the Tuna Nicoise for $19 and the Crab Cake a whopping $19 as well. Perhaps they were worth it, but I wasn't in the mood to find out. The Deluxe 8 oz. All American Bacon Burger 70/30 ($16) took on a lengthy title and a little more appeal with a lower price point. Just like that, my burger craving took hold. 
The thick patty is a ground skirt (70%) and shortrib (30%) combo and the menu recommends you order it rare! I intended to go with my typical medium rare but figured why not have it as the chefs intended. They didn't steer me wrong. The burger was intensely juicy and well seasoned. The melted cheddar cheese was evenly proportioned and criss-crossed slices of bacon draped over the edges were greasy and lightly crisped. 
The stimulating presentation with a rainbow of colors in effect offered toppings including red onion and an entire perfectly ripe avocado half lending an ideal cool creamy contrast to the thick salty bacon. I generously stacked some on. 
The crisp dill pickle hit the spot. The toasted bun was warm and buttery with poppy seeds speckled in its crevices. 
Oh and lets not forget that sweet pepper relish. This took it over the top with just a dallop of sweetness, it wasn't overpowering to the components that make a burger a burger, it was simply there to add something different. Something new. I appreciated its presence. 
The pile of french fries is massive and you will be happy to know they are everything you want them to be. Good fries should strive to elevate a burger entree, these do just that. 
As far as their burgers and beer goes, I'm definitely a fan. 
Not to mention, the patio set just a few hundred feet back from the hustle and bustle of Boylston under a towering Prudential Center was an extremely peaceful location during this hour. The first July lunch was definitely a happy success. Way to go, Towne!
Have you been to Towne? What did you think?
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