Discovering a Neighborhood Gem: Oleana

This will come as no surprise, but to acknowledge the obvious, I dine out a lot. I realize what probably seems like all.the.time now actually. Between blog events and family celebrations, date nights and girls nights and can't forget summer lunches, there is never a shortage of restaurants deserving a review. (I swear though, I don't go out every night!!) A good portion of summer evenings have me confined to my couch engaged in this seasons horror show that is The Bachelorette or the highlight of summer television, So You Think You Can Dance. However, this past Wednesday evening I finally got to experience dinner at a restaurant I have long lusted over. Certain restaurants in Boston and Cambridge, be them old or new, generate high praise thus striking a burning desire inside to visit (looking at you Coppa, Bergamot and Mistral just to name a few.) They give constant inspiration and remain a huge motivational factor behind this blog; tonight's dinner at Oleana was no exception. Opened in 2001 by Chef Ana Sortun, this neighborhood treasure situated between Inman and Central Squares in Cambridge serves exceptionally innovative and inspired Mediterranean cuisine with strong Arabic and Turkish influence. Oleana is home to an award winning patio, embodying a truly unique caliber of outdoor dining space. A plush herb garden surrounds inlaid brick, lights are strung overhead from a fig tree and a fountain bubbles in the background. Cozy nooks are created under a trellis accented by large clay pots blossoming with pink and purple flowers.Patrons literally line up prior to opening at 5:30pm (even on a Wednesday) to ensure they score a seat in this Near Eastern inspired Zen-garden. If pictures are doing no justice, take my word for it, it's a pretty magical place to enjoy a summer evening meal. Oleana has an extensive wine and beer list, but the small and elegantly simple cocktail menu beckoned. I chose the The Sortini ($10) a balanced creamy yet light combination of unfiltered sake, rose and lychee.

We began the meal with a bread bowl and some small meze. Starting in the top right corner and moving clockwise: Deviled Eggs ($6) with tuna & black olives, Warm Buttered Hummus ($5) with Basturma & Tomato and Whipped Feta ($5) with sweet & hot pepper. I don't know about you, but I typically eat hummus cold, so the warm dip took on a unique quality which was nicely accented by the thinly sliced basturma (cured meat.) The whipped feta with a bold kick from the peppers was plain addicting. I adore deviled eggs, these were an exotic take on a classic. A bottle of German Riesling Leitz Eins Zwei Dry was ordered for the table to accompany the next round of meze. This dry Riesling is something of an experiment by the winemaker. What is typically known as sweet white wine, the fruity definitions are not lost while the dry counterpart creates an approachable and full bodied texture. A visually stunning presentation of the quintessential Mediterranean delight - a perfectly prepared ball of Spinach Falafel ($12) comes with beets tztaki spread over a rectangular pita slice and topped with a spoonful of creamy yogurt. The crinkle cress and the single pickle add to the attractiveness of the plate while offering complimentary bites of flavor. This dish was a major highlight of the evenings repertoire. Next, we shared a tasty flatbread with grilled peaches and haloumi cheese cubes. The sweet tender peaches and the springy haloumi, (a sheeps milk cheese from Cyprus) were an intriguing pair that offered contrasting textures a top a paper thin just barely crisped crust. The Fried Mussels ($12) were exceptional. Perfectly plump and crispy morsels are flanked by hot green peppers and drizzled in a cool Turkish Tarator which is a light yogurt, cucumber, garlic and dill sauce traditionally accompanying fried seafoods. The Deconstructed Potato Salad special could also be taken for a loose interpretation of a Nicoise salad with its seared tuna and delicate soft boiled eggs. Admittedly, tuna, potatoes, eggs, tomatoes and peppers seem like a strange combo but they worked well, I thoroughly enjoyed this mash up of simple well prepared ingredients. I didn't particularly care for the Spicy Artichoke and Grilled Shrimp Crostini. This special sounded good in theory but didn't standout or warrant return bites on my part. A sight to behold were the Ricotta Loukoumades ($12) with thin slices of roasted beets and prosciutto. These fritters tasted just as beautiful as they looked plated over a striking beet puree. A sweet sparkling Elio Perrone Bigaro Rosato kicked off the dessert courses. Stuffed as we were, sampling the dessert menu was just as imperative as the meze. Especially with executive pastry chef Maura Kilpatrick who has been named Best of Boston, Best Pastry Chef four times, at the helm. In order of my least to most favorite, (deciding to save the best for last) the Sicilian Almond Cremolata & Warm Chocolate Panino ($12) didn't particularly excite me. Perhaps that is because it had some seriously stiff competition. If you were in the mood for an icey treat - cemolata with texture similar to that of a sherbet would most likely appease, the warm chocolate panino dusted in powdered sugar added a touch of whimsy. The pastry chef is known for her way with frozen concoctions after all, and the appearance of such is prevalent in each dessert we ordered. The Chocolate Hazelnut Délice ($12) paired a hazelnut cocoa nib tartlet with hazelnut praline ice cream for a rich nutty treat. I was enamored with the Native Strawberry Floating Island ($13) with moscato strawberry crisp and lime leaf ice cream. The meringue based substance embodied a texture so light any airy it dissolved almost instantly on your tongue. It was brilliantly suspended in a strawberry liquid with some fresh strawberry granita on top. If you can only choose but one dessert, the Baked Alaska ($14) has got to be it. It manages many feats of versatility by being both creamy and crunchy, tart and sweet and hot and cold. Coconut ice cream is scooped over a bed of chewy macaroon cake, covered generously with meringue and then baked at a high temperature just long enough for the meringue to firm. It effectively insulates the ice cream which is not only a magical feat in process but in taste and texture as well. The silky passion fruit caramel sauce takes it over the top with its bold tropical flavors. I'd strongly encourage you save room. While this is truly the dessert that dreams are made of, the same can be said for the experience in its entirety. The enchanting patio space for starters is matched by absolutely flawless service. Our waiter was both charming and knowledgeable while the manager played an active roll in engaging with patrons as well. Behind them a highly skilled kitchen with a knack for creativity producing dishes as outrageously inventive and exotically flavored as they come, Oleana ranks up there as one of my favorite dining experiences in the city.

Garden at The Cellar...Finally!

I say finally with an exclamation point because for over a year now, I've had a gift certificate burning a hole in my wallet and I'm not quite sure how it sat around for so long. Given to me as a birthday gift from two of my dear friends back when the blog was just a baby (barely a month old!) and up-and-coming chef Will Gilson was just a name in an article that Lisa handed me along with the gift certificate. Since then, I've heard nothing but fantastic reviews of Garden at The Cellar and constant praise for Chef Will Gilson. Now hes up-and-come; there is no denying locals know this James Beard Award nominee chef by name. Whether for his dedication to cooking with local, sustainable food and family grown herbs, or his successful efforts to rebuild his mothers greenhouses, or his recent embrace for the Pop Up dinner trend, his name gets around. Joined by my sister this past Wednesday, we experienced firsthand his creative cuisine in the relaxed unassuming gastropub situated in between Cambridge's Central and Harvard Squares. They take limited reservations for parties over six, otherwise seats are on a first come first serve basis. The place was fairly busy around 7:30 but we managed to get seated right away at an open copper top cafe table in front of some overflowing succulents and potted herbs. I spy a recycled St. Germain Bottle behind the aloe plants.

We started with two slices of bread each and some herb infused butter. A nice touch with the herbs if you ask me!We got down to business with a Dark & Stormy ($7.50) each as we studied the menu. (Made with Gosling's Black Seal Rum & Ginger beer, oh yes.)The $7.50 price tag didn't have me wincing. Actually, all of their cocktails clock in at a reasonable $7 - $10. We chose two appetizers to share. The Seared Scallops ($12) presented three wonderfully cooked garlicky scallops reaping the benefits of thick brush strokes of earthy black trumpet puree. Contrasting bites of Meyer lemon in tiny gel form added small punches of bright zesty flavor. With a crisp sear that fades into golden, these scallops are something to marvel at up close. The entire plate was a work of art. Speaking of work of art, the Foie Gras & Doughnuts ($13) was a whimsically plated far fetched idea pairing two delicious ingredients together at random. It works. And amazingly well at that. Fluffy round balls of cinnamon sugar become a vessel for rich, buttery bites of seared foie gras. With cocoa nibs, orange and ginger creating fascinating flavor combinations and texture profiles, it was like a carnival for the taste buds. Quite the adventurous dish fully of whimsy and fun, I was really really impressed. I took a close up of "this" and I put "this" in quotes because I honestly have no idea what it is. It tasted like an adult version of a fruit rollup and looked like a dragon!

Leah ordered the Grass Fed Hanger Steak Frites ($26) without hesitation. The generous portion of hanger steak came perfectly cooked and well seasoned plated over a bed of parsnip puree and garlic spinach. But it was the thin cut rosemary truffle frites that we were both immediately drawn to. These are the epitome of a perfect fry; crispy and buttery seasoned with sophistication and restraint - just an accent of rosemary and truffle oil. Leah wasn't too keen on the texture of the steak, stating even though it was cooked to her liking, it was awkwardly chewy. Unaware at the time but now looking back at the menu, I'm thinking that might be attributed to the fact that this is grass fed beef. Better for the environment, the cows and us humans, it's usually a win-win-win situation, right? Perhaps the taste takes some getting used to, and perhaps it is just not for everyone. Despite her distaste for texture, she still enjoyed the dish, raving about the parsnip puree and spinach every bite of the way. I debated between the Buttermilk Poached Chicken ($23) and the Duo of Heritage Pork ($26). I asked my waitresses for a recommend hoping she'd be able to offer some insight and sway my decision one way or the other. She remained indifferent, and without exclamation or passion stated "they're both good." (Well obviously they're both good! Thanks!)I went with the pork. It was a good call. This is a dish I'd get excited about and tell you to order if I were waitressing here!! The meat was unbelievable, bursting with rustic flavor and the execution was top notch. The ramps are a springtime vegetable with a pungent oniony taste, they served to add some sharp contrast to the white heavy meal of pork and potatoes.

Plated over a violet mustard sauce, the thinly pounded cutlets were cooked scallopini style with garlic and black pepper. Two cutlets were one too many for me, but for a someone with a larger appetite you get a generous amount of food. The grilled belly was extremely tender with a rich glaze atop the crispy skin exterior.

The earthy fingerling potatoes were a simple yet exciting element of the dish. I don't know about you but I just love that satisfying moment of cutting into a perfectly roasted potato, the snap of the skin that you can actually hear - these potatoes had it going on.

There was definitely another round of Dark & Stormys ordered during the meal. These drinks go down way to easy. I guess that's why I love them so.No dessert menu here (bummer!) but they look to satisfy your sweet tooth with a plate of Taza Chocolates (redemption!) Showcasing local food in creative dishes without the luxurious atmosphere or price point, Garden at The Cellar remains affordable and relaxed. No matter what, I would not hesitate to order a side of those rosemary truffle fries and to remember that adventurous eating most definitely pays off at this modest neighborhood gastropub.

Cousins Do Beantown Part 2

We did way too much to capture it all in one post, as long weekends tend to go. Picking up right where we left off, on Saturday morning, Carly, Cassie and I awoke with a craving for iced coffee and Bloody Marys. It was Boston Common Coffee Co to the rescue for craving #1 and from there we caroused the North End, shopping at local neighborhood boutiques. Among our Salem Street travels the Neptune Oyster merely provided a photo op background. (But if you are passing through and able to score a table or a seat at the bar, I'd recommend it!) We had other plans that included meeting up with Leah and checking in at The Liberty Hotel. I have spent some time at the historic Charles Street jail turned 5-star luxury hotel since its opening in September 2007, but never actually spent the night. Celebrations such as a bachelorette party are deemed worthy for booking a hotel less than a mile from where you live, especially when this hotel happens to be an architectural wonder where classic history meets contemporary travel. What I'm saying is, even if you don't book a room, this hotel is a must visit for locals and tourists alike. Entering into a commanding granite building, up a small escalator you are greeted by a stunning 90 foot octagonal atrium that features a vibrant scene with rich hues of purple and maroon complimented by soft creams and bold whites. The lobby with a breathtaking catwalk rotunda and adjoining bars Clink and Alibi showcase modern decor of sophisticated couches and banquettes, regal leather chairs, mahogany tables and granite counter tops amongst preserved wrought iron jail cell facades. Magnificent Christmas trees hang upside down from the ceiling capturing the spirit of the holidays. We were offered complimentary glasses of champagne (yes, please) at the reception upon check in before making our way to room 1512. The 15th floor view of The Charles River and surrounding city scape (from the hallway) was incredible! Craving #2, as previously mentioned, was satisfied and then some at Clink's extensive make-your-own bloody mary bar. A round two-tiered table next to an expansive light filled window offered every kind of hot sauce and garnish imaginable. Celery, olives, horseradish all obvious choices, but followed up with jalapeno cheese and mini shrimp cocktail now that is what I'm talking about!An impressive selection of salt and pepper to boot. The Liberty Bar which distinguishes itself from Clink, located in the lobby and not an actual restaurant is where we enjoyed our drinks and the company of Mitch the bartender. The Liberty Bar offers a small appetizer/bar bites menu. The girls munched on Skinny Fries with harissa aioli and Crispy Chicken Skewers with black pepper and lime that I photographed but inevitably couldn't stomach, as I retreated to nurse a delayed hangover back in our room. Yeah, that bloody didn't sit so well. Back in 1512.....I relaxed in the plush down comforter and pillows with the tranquility station on the TV, followed by an invigorating shower with earthy scented bath products. That night we Red Line-d it over to Central Square where I barely made it through the 40 minute wait for a table at Cuchi Cuchi. (They do not take reservations on Friday or Saturday nights). My readers, my friends, you know me well enough by now to know, I'm never the first to leave a party. I don't care if it's night #2 or #20, I pride myself on being able to hang, to keep the good times rolling long after last call, and I rarely encounter a hangover a Bloody Mary or greasy french fries can't cure. It pained my heart that I wasn't able to get it together long enough to stop vomiting in the bathroom at Cuchi Cuchi. (Sorry for the painful mental image! But understand why I have no photos of this dinner I'd so been looking forward to sharing with my cousins and blogging about.) Unable to imbibe in their signature hand muddled fresh fruit and herb infused cocktails, at this point I couldn't even keep down soda water and bread.I longed to sip a Thai Basil Cocktail pictured above from at a past outing. The flashy Victorian decor, antique statues draped in beads and a bar baked by stained glass windows creates a captivating interior that all missed the camera. Glitzy and glittered to the nines are everything from the bathroom essentials to the flapper dressed waitresses. Decadent, vintage, wildly fun and funky, I knew it was a fabulous spot to celebrate Carly's last days as a single woman. As we were seated the girls ordered cocktails round two and soon began the feast on exotic international small plates. Passing up this meal and night was a sad moment of my life indeed. But, I guess sad is relative. You live and learn even at 26! (Moral of the story: do not try to keep up with your 23 year old cousin who can down whiskey like a fish.) Extreme delayed hangover, whiskey induced sickness or otherwise, this was unlike any feeling I could remember as the lovely hostess called me a cab, I hugged the hotel toilet for awhile longer and slept it off. After some innocent fun out on the town at The Middle East and Beacon Hill Pub, the girls returned home. Another bottle of champagne was popped and late night room service in the form of $17 Vermont cheddar cheese burgers with sweet potato fries were ordered. I held down half a burger and was incredibly thankful for that.Lets see if I can wrap up day three in this post.......Brunch at Harvard Gardens across the street was just splendid. Eclectic American cuisine in a friendly atmosphere with breakfast cocktails hit the spot. Please note he fact that I can once again drink. And all is right in the world. In my hand would be a Peach Bellini prosecco and peach nectar.

The food was excellent. For Carly a Breakfast Sandwich ($9) egg, tomato, fontina and canadian bacon with hollandaise sauce on a croissant. For Cassie a Side of Seasonal Fresh Fruit ($4) & Marble Rye Toast ($2) And pour moi Nutella and Banana Thick Cut Brioche French Toast ($11) sweet french toast layered with Nutella and fresh bananas topped with a caramel maple syrupIf you caught my Best of Boston Eats in 2010 post, you know I loved this dish! I had not been to Harvard Gardens in ages (since before I technically lived in Boston) so it was nice to pay this neighborhood restaurant a visit and re-discover a quality Beacon Hill brunch spot.
After brunch we freshened up, packed our belongings and were ready to hit the town by 11:30 or so. Hotel check out is at noon, which makes for a leisurely morning. One last shot in the Lobby. We set off down Charles Street, and meandered through the Public Gardens.I realized my cousins, Florida girls born and raised, have never experienced a frozen pond nor had they been ice skating. They've only ever visited us in the summer on Cape Cod. (Next trip, we'll rent ice skates!) After we spent the afternoon shopping the entire length of Newbury Street, we were famished. Now that's a Bloody Mary ($6.50) and reasonably priced to boot, enjoyed at The Pour House located at 909 Boylston Street. The good old Pour House, a local standby with graffiti walls and a lively crowd (rowdy college kids watching football on a Sunday, check) is a spot I've visited many times before whether for breakfast, lunch, dinner or cheap beers, they never disappoint. Their Bloody Marys are some of the best in town and for less expensive quality bar food, I knew we'd be in good hands. For our last meal together, a serious plate of Nachos Pollo ($8.75) were inhaled. Crunchy tortilla chips smothered with melted cheddar and piled high with jalapenos, black olives, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, black beans and seasoned grilled chicken then topped with homemade salsa and sour cream.

I would absolutely recommend any of the above spots (round one included) for impressing out of town guests! Our cousin bonding weekend truly showcases a variety of what Boston has to offer from lunching at a modern boutique hotel, to spending the night in luxury at another one of Boston's finest. We were able to experience local neighborhood dive bars as well as the classic Irish Pub scene. You can never go wrong with an Italian dinner in the North End and the fact that we made it out to Cambridge for a taste of international small plates in a flashy extravagant Roaring 20's spot was definitely a highlight. No matter what type of food and fun you may seek as a traveler to this great city, Boston (and Cambridge) have so much to offer! Being able to spend these days with cousins is time I will always cherish. We'll be back at it in February for Carly's Wedding in West Palm Beach! I.can't.wait!