I hope everyone had wonderful Memorial Day Weekend! Mine was pretty tame and thankfully felt as long as it was. There was some major relaxation happening (spa day! + reading in the park), just a hint of productivity (loads of laundry + a few errands) coupled with some amazing eats (Backyard BBQ, dinner at
Citizen Public House) but best of all, here in New England we were finally able to welcome summer weather. I'll have a post up in a few days, but for now enjoy my recap of last weeks patio party....
On Wednesday evening I visited one of Boston's newest waterfront dining destinations, Aragosta Bar & Bistro located in The Fairmont Battery Wharf. Aragosta replaces the former hotel restaurant Sensing, completely revitalizing the outdoor space with tables overlooking picturesque Boston Harbor and plush couches surrounding cozy firepits.
Deep brown wicker patio furniture combined with rust colored umbrellas and fabrics set the scene as bloggers trickled into a private tasting of Chef David Daniels contemporary Italian cuisine and specialty Italian themed cocktails.
Making a lasting first impression is an especially inventive cocktail, starting off sweet and finishing with a punch the
Yellow Pepper Limoncello Sour pairs the classic Italian liquor with vodka, agave nectar, lemon juice and fresh chive.
Also up for sampling was their well poured
Moscow Mule starring Grey Goose Vodka with pureed ginger, freshly squeezed lime juice and club soda. More traditional is the Mule, great for those who can appreciate a strong bite from the fresh ginger.
Platters of
Hand Crafted Salumi, Caponata, Hot Cherry Peppers & Crusty Bread were waiting for us upon arrival.
Along with some loaves of soft and chewy bread accompanied by olives in olive oil.
I didn't hesitate to dig right in. Shortly after, the
Tartufo Fries cooked in duck fat and truffle oil swept us off our feet.
The
Lobster & Truffle Crostini with a white bean puree is definitely an appetizer I would recommend, boasting thick chunks of succulent lobster accented by luxurious earthy truffle in every bite.
The sweet velvety
Lobster Bisque was inviting and comforting, even when sipped on a warm summer evening.
Aragosta
is Italian for lobster and living up to its namesake it certainly was.
The
Sautéed Calamari Salad served with
baby arugula, San Marzano tomato, balsamic and an olive tapenade would be an excellent start to a summer meal, the variety of flavors in this dish highlighting the cool toothsome squid.
The evening only went uphill from here.
Our waitress was more than happy to take additional drink orders, so a few of us chose the intriguing described on the menu as the
Italian version of the “French 75”; a cocktail that “hits with remarkable precision”, it combines Aperol liquor shaken with freshly squeezed lemon juice and adds Prosecco for a burst of bubbly finish.
Somehow I missed sampling the
Braised Veal & Pancetta Meatballs with soft polenta and arugula, but they sure looked good.
Once the appetizer bites were through, plate after plate of small entree portions were delivered. We ooed and aahed our way through the delectable homemade pasta courses and stuffed ourselves even more with a heartier New England seafood dish and a Pork entree after that. I couldn't believe how much food we tasted!
Pappardelle Bolognese,
Veal Cheek & Ox Tail Ragu, Porcini Powder. The thick coils of pappardelle pasta were exquisite, the flavorful ragu of shredded veal cheek and ox tail accompanied a melty hunk of brie cheese. This felt like a winter time entree to me, probably because I always crave a thick hearty Bolognese when it's cold out. That's not to discourage if you were in the mood, the components still hold up on a warm summer evening, easily.
Orecchiette,
Broccoli Rabe, Pancetta, Capers, Preserved Lemon. Now this is one that beckons summer on a patio to me, definitely the pasta entree I am craving the most and would order upon my return. Bursting with salty, lemony flavors, those little pockets of perfectly shaped orecchiette delicately cradled the pancetta and capers, the crisp broccoli rabe rounding out the dish.
Gnocchi,
Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder, Rosemary Citrus Jus, Asparagus. A thoughtful pairing is gnocchi with lamb and asparagus, as opposed to just plain old gnocchi, this dish steps it up. The dense cushions of potato pasta get coated in a thick creamy cheese sauce and a dusting of breadcrumbs, while the entire dish relishes the potent rosemary citrus jus.
Lobster Ravioli,
Wilted Pea Greens, Fennel Pollen, Cauliflower – Truffle. (Well, there was Cauliflower accompanying this ravioli at one point!) There's that heavenly lobster and truffle combination again. The lobster filling was good but I'd personally go for the Crostini appetizer or the bisque over this to get my lobster fix. However, the menu should only benefit from this dressed up Italian staple as it is a dish that has lasting mass appeal.
Seared Tuna,
Roasted Fennel, Marcona Almonds, Golden Raisin Puree. Each piece of sushi grade tuna came perfectly seared on the edges. When paired with bites of the candied marcona almonds, sweet golden raisin puree as well the contrasting bite of fennel, it worked well. For typical tuna lovers, this is definitely an interesting maybe even risky combination at face value.
PT Farms Pork Chop,
Fontina, Pancetta, Algre Dolce Peppers. A well cooked pork chop coated in glistening, melted fontina cheese? With more of that intensely firm and salty pancetta? I could eat a dish like this any night, truly satisfying and immensely flavorful.
Somewhere in between all this I ordered a glass of
Prosecco, happily sipping it in the comfy confines of the terrace couches with good company, as the sun went down and the cooler night air set in.
The tasting wrapped up with a
Marscapone Ice Cream and what I think was a golden raisin filled tart dusted with powdered sugar. The ice cream stole the show.
Each dish with its own unique flair offered a beautiful presentation using fresh seasonal ingredients. I would also like to note that while this tasting was complimentary, the price points clock in with first courses between $10-15, pasta entrees start at $17 and seafood entrees average around $30.
It's not often that the North End sees a
new restaurant opening, much less a waterfront destination. Seems the new spots are always popping up in Cambridge, or Back Bay, the South End, or Liberty Wharf (everywhere
but here, basically) so we deserve this one!
I have a strong inclination to return to the Terrace already! Sipping cocktails and watching the sunset over the harbor never really gets old. Visit
Aragosta just steps from The North End's Hanover Street at Three Battery Wharf.
Special thanks to Suzanne Wentz, the Regional Director of PR at Fairmont for the generous invitation and for putting together such a fantastic event.
The bride-to-be celebrates another task checked of the wedding to-do list with a giant goblet of Sangria from Joe's American Bar and Grill. 
We were starved as we strolled down Newbury Street, bypassing longer waits for outdoor seating at The Met and Stephanie's, before deciding on Joe's at its new Back Bay location on the corner of Dartmouth Street. We scored a table in the coveted patio dining area, adjacent to the upper bar. (Picture borrowed from the website.)
The sunken sidewalk patio is cozy and features a retractable roof. It's perfect if you're not looking to bask in the sun, but still want to enjoy an outdoor ambiance. 
Joe's boasts an extensive drink menu, I decided on a Dark N Stormy ($8), with Goslings Rum and Ginger Beer, always a dependable choice. To begin the table shared a Maryland Lump Crab Cake ($10.99) - they do it up right with quality crab meat and barely enough breading to hold it together, and serve it with lightly dressed cole slaw and zesty tartar sauce. Lunch options delighted the group as a whole, everyone cleaned their plates. 
I was impressed with my Ahi Tuna Salad ($16.99), the inherent freshness and overall execution was spot on. The sashimi tuna graced by a sesame seed crust achieved a perfect sear and was drizzled with just enough spicy aioli. Fresh salad greens were lightly dressed in an herb vinaigrette, topped with ripe avocado and red onions.
Joe's American Bar and Grill is a local chain with nine locations in the greater Boston area. Serving straightforward comfort food in an upbeat all-American atmosphere, the Newbury Street location is likely a safe bet for lunch if you're in the area.
Plated alongside a sweet butternut ragout with hearty dashes of white beans and tomato, I was ever so thankful for our waiters thoughtfullness as I sliced into and tasted one perfectly prepared scallop. 
Michelle very much enjoyed her 
