My second visit was much more relaxed and intimate when compared to my first, which was a lively dinner event attended by 30 or so bloggers.
Showing posts with label Champagne. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Champagne. Show all posts
Monday, October 3, 2011
Delighted by Del Frisco's Lunch
Last Saturday I enjoyed a leisurely media lunch for four at Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse in the expansive modern dining room overlooking a cloudy Boston Harbor.
My second visit was much more relaxed and intimate when compared to my first, which was a lively dinner event attended by 30 or so bloggers.
It was nice to experience a different side of the restaurant and check out the mid-day menu offerings, which includes a "Business Lunch" of a starter, an entree and a side dish for $23 from 11:30am - 4:o0pm.
I had just arrived back from Spain on Thursday night, gone to work on Friday, and was still feeling a little jet lagged, so I almost opted out. One taste of the Shanghai Style fried Calamari ($15) and I was incredibly thankful I hadn't.
Actually, once I had a glass of Cupcake Shiraz ($10) in my hand and broke off a slice of their utterly perfect warm sesame studded bread loaf and slathered it with creamy butter, I was close to content. The Calamari appetizer went on to seal the deal. A bold preparation, lightly battered and fried squid is loaded with bean sprouts, scallions, crushed peanuts and mildly hot peppers all mingling in a sweet Thai chili sauce.
I was completely smitten with this unique take on a classic appetizer. While the sweet chili sauce added delicious flavor, I appreciated the restraint with which it was used. It highlighted the fresh ingredients without overwhelming their varied crispy textures. I particularly loved the crunch from the peanuts.
After finishing my glass of red wine, I craved something light and sparkly, so I decided to pair my lunch with a cocktail. The Mod French 75 ($14) garnished with a cool cucumber combines Hendrick’s Gin, lemon juice, bitters and Moet champagne for a fresh fizzy afternoon delight.
The odd dining companion out chose the fantastic looking Lobster Shrimp Club ($18),
while three of us couldn't pass up the Filet Medallions Sandwich ($16).
I was expecting to be overwhelmed by a massive portion, and I was in the best sense possible. While I could only manage to finish half of the sandwich, the individual halves themselves are nicely proportioned. The sandwich was deceptively easy to bite into without the ingredients making a mess or tumbling out.
Bite size nuggets of tender filet medallions are paired with soft sun dried tomatoes, gridded thin red onions and just a touch of horseradish herb spread. Encased by the same signature warm and fluffy bread that I dove headfirst into at the beginning of the meal, the loaf makes an even better vessel for filet. Mine were a perfectly cooked medium rare.
Well seasoned french fries accompanied my plate, while everyone else could not pass up the homemade skillet potato chips. I tried the chips and can vouch for their status.
We received impeccable service which was friendly and personalized. Even though the staff was fully aware we were bloggers attending a comped lunch, this doesn't necessarily go without saying.
A small but innovative menu offers appealing dished prepared with precision. From weekday business power lunches to easygoing weekend afternoons, whatever the lunch occasion, Del Frisco's aims to personalize the experience to fit your needs.
My second visit was much more relaxed and intimate when compared to my first, which was a lively dinner event attended by 30 or so bloggers. Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Bristol Lounge Burger Bash
It has been a good week around here. Last night 20 of my closest friend and family members gathered at The Four Seasons Bristol Lounge in honor of the burger I created last month being on the menu!
Presenting The Daisy Burger ($21). May is National Hamburger Month and to liven things up around The Bristol, Executive Chef Brook Vosika and and PR Coordinators extrordinaire Kristan Fletcher and Lei-Ann Field invited myself and some other local bloggers to a burger cooking class back in April; where we created and named original burgers of our own.
At class we learned our burgers would be featured on The Bristol Lounge menu for one day only and on that day we were allowed to come in and enjoy our burger and a glass of champagne compliments of the chef. I'd like to note this is a $22 glass of champagne (half drank in the photo). Pretty sure I've never drank one that expensive. High Rollers hang at the Four Seasons, didn't you know ;)
It was melted goat cheese-fennel slaw-sauteed mushrooms-and lettuce on a toasted brioche bun burger bash of many introductions, fancy drinks, complimentary appetizers (Buffalo Brussel Sprouts and Avocado Fries for all, score!) and fantastic company. Any excuse for a party, right?
I even made a speech upon audience request. It meant a lot to me that everyone came out to celebrate.
This delightful if I may say so myself plate boasting my burger creation and Parmesan truffle fries awed and impressed. Not going to lie, I was a little nervous, despite the fact that I knew the execution would be spot on, and it was.
Even those doubting the intense goat cheese and fennel combination cleaned their plates (or took half home for lunch the next day - this burger patty is massive, I couldn't even finish it all!)
Table #1 -My fam, Adam's fam, friends Douglas & Ruby.
Extra Toppings.
Table #2 - My Dad and a whole lot of my favorite people!
(Please note Michelle photographing her plate - true to food blogger form!)
I took off the tomato, but enjoyed the addition of pickles (always!) and a little onion for some extra crunch!
My sister and my Mom show off their plates.
Chatting it up after the meal with the sous chef who cooked our burgers this evening, Anthony Welch. Below with my best friend from Cape Cod, Jen!
The fam and I enjoyed a leisurely stroll home through the Public Garden in all its green weeping willow and cherry blossom glory.
And Adam and I had a nightcap back in the North End at Artu.
Very special thanks to: Our waitress, Trish, who was on top of things and took great care of us all night long, everyone at The Four Seasons for the continued hospitality from my time in the kitchen in April, to the reservation planning, to the special care and consideration at the actual event and of course my amazing friends and fam who came out to support! I love you guys and hope you all had as much fun as I did!!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
"If There's Love....
...I just wanna have somethin' to do with it." ~Citizen Cope
And it was a meal worth raving over.
Plated with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel, the vanilla raspberry buttercream cake was amazing.
So was the rest of the evening. I'll spare the dance floor antics in an effort to finish up, even though nights like this, you never want them to end!
After the reception we hung out at the fire pit terrace wrapped in teal and gold sequin blankets. 
And began our day there the next morning, too!
We enjoyed brunch once again at Temple Orange.
This time I splurged on Bloody Marys and Eggs Benedict. 


It was a weekend filled with new and old friends and family, waterfronts and beach fronts, jacuzzis and limo rides, dancing and fire pits, seafood buffets and exquisite passed hors d'oeuvres, raw bars and open bars, amazing foods and even better people. It was a celebration of Carly and Cutlers love in all the best ways possible. From a calypso band belting the old school tunes at the rehearsal dinner to a DJ spinning the top 40 hits at the wedding, here is the second installment of photographs of my favorite people, moments, foods and drinks.
Ritz Carlton + rehearsal dinner recap - in case you missed it. The bride, bridesmaids and I awoke bright and early on the big day.
Looking our best we meandered into Temple Orange for a light breakfast. 

Coffee ($5), Fried Egg ($3) and Hash Browns ($3) for me kept it simple and light on the wallet. 
Lobby photo shoots ensued. I wasn't sure if you had enough of the lobby in my previous post?!
Adding people in the mix always bodes well for photo shoots, though.
A trip to the jacuzzi before we began getting ready was a most relaxing event. 
As the morning wore on, the rain stopped and the sun made an appearance.
How unbelievably gorgeous are the hotel grounds and the beach below them?
The Terrace Suites offer comfy lounge chairs and breezy drapes, as well as easy access to the pools and beach. 
As 2:00 approached we were picked up by a most punctual limo driver.
We threw back a whiskey shot or two on the way over to calm whatever existing nerves lingered. These are joyous and excited-for-the-bride nerves and they deserved to be chased by whiskey. We slipped into our dresses in the house next door to the chapel,

This little guy got into his tux. Think he'll remember his parents wedding day? ;)
Soon enough, we made our way down the aisle at the Royal Poinciana Chapel.
Obviously I didn't have my camera with me at this time, but here is a photograph of the alter at the rehearsal. Carly made a stunning bride, just stunning. I'll never forget the look in Cutler's eyes as she approached. Beaming, glowing, glossy so as to maybe holding back a few tears, his heart ready to burst. Pure happiness and undeniable love.
After a round or ten of professional photographs, we cruised down Ocean Boulevard back to the Ritz, poppin' champagne along the way. The newlyweds made their grand entrance at cocktail hour.


A trip to the jacuzzi before we began getting ready was a most relaxing event. while drinking plastic cups of white wine.
This little guy got into his tux. Think he'll remember his parents wedding day? ;)
Soon enough, we made our way down the aisle at the Royal Poinciana Chapel.The appetizers during cocktail hour blew me away. Presentation wise they were classy and creative. Taste wise they were top notch. There was a broad variety to please every palate and plenty to go around.
Cigar boxed mini baguette sandwiches boasted ham and melted cheese on a warm crusty baguette wrapped in a brown paper bag.
Black truffle mac-n-cheese was elegant and laced with panko breadcrumbs.

Fried calamari and rock shrimp drizzled with a lemon aioli missed the camera. A mozarella tomato pesto bite with balsamic viniagrette drops were a playful take on classic flavors and ingredients.
The lamb chops were exquisite.
My grampy doesn't even like lamb, or so he thought. He raved after two and ate about five more. 
From the bar, the usual to start things off.
And Vodka Pineapples with a lime to follow.
The reception was held down the hall at Angle a contemporary american "super club". A dark intimate space with sleek urbane decor, tonight done up with in glistening gold wedding essentials and white linens.
Flowing tastefully through the room were elaborate white floral displays accented with pink roses and green leaves.
Tables were dotted with floating candles.
The food was phenomenal.
For the salad course, a creamy bacon dressing over spinach greens with crispy empanadas and a citrus garnish.
And the entrée - a breaded filet mignon over baked onion, potatoes au gratin with steamed vegetables and a moist juicy herb encrusted chicken.
The meal had a little something for everyone.
The tuna tartare cones were fun!
And Vodka Pineapples with a lime to follow.
The food was phenomenal.
After the reception we hung out at the fire pit terrace wrapped in teal and gold sequin blankets. 
This time I splurged on Bloody Marys and Eggs Benedict. A leisurely brunch was followed by a day at the pool.
The End.
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