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 Liberty Wharf. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Liberty Wharf. 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, July 27, 2011
VIP at Del Frisco's
A small collection of nationwide restaurants that embrace the deep rooted American steakhouse tradition, Del Frisco's most definitely knows its prime grade steak and lucky for us New Englanders, a thing or two about seafood. Be that as it may, there's a lot more to the recently opened Boston location than just the food. Hesitant to make the jump from your tried and true upscale steakhouse in favor of the new kid in town? Here is a look at what you can expect!
Entering into the first floor off a vibrant section of Northern Avenue known as Liberty Wharf, you continue up a grand staircase into an impressive space housing a swank circular bar with views of the downtown skyline; and an equally as stylish dining room inlaid with plush gray semi-circular booths overlooking a stunning harbor expanse.
The media dinner I attended on Thursday evening was held in the appropriately named Harbor Room, housing within its massive wine rack enclosed walls are sweeping red curtains surrounding tables boasting crisp white linens and elegant leather chairs.
Commanding attention overhead are two giant chandeliers, the sparkling crystal figures hang to resemble exposed light bulbs.
Spectacular, grand, impressive, massive, giant, I'm pulling out all the "go big or go home" esque adjectives; Del Frisco's atmosphere embodies that mantra to a tee.
And as the rooms namesake would imply, views of the harbor aren't too shabby either. Not to mention, the coveted outdoor patio space is easily a huge draw to the restaurant in the warm months.
The dinner was based on a four course menu and was completely free of charge to attendees.
After glancing over the regular menu, everything appears to be fairly expensive. But as usual, I've included the prices in my round up to let you be the judge.
At Del Frisco's, you can't go wrong with a signature cocktail. After one a taste of the Absolut Orange Vodka that has been house infused with pineapple and shaken to creamy frothy martini perfection, "The VIP" ($13) will have you feeling just as the namesake touts.
The Blackberry Ginger Cocktail ($14) made with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, fresh blackberries, fresh lemon juice, mint and a splash of ginger beer, was also a winner.
Boasting an extensive wine list (if the glass walled wine racks were any indication) A Kung Fu Girl Riesling from Washington state was poured to compliment our starter courses. Once we made our way to the steak, a Cabernet Sauvignon made just for the restaurant was also nicely paired.
The bread here is worth indulging - a full loaf is served warm, soft baked and studded with sesame seeds, be sure to break off a piece and slather it in some of that whipped butter. An extensive spread of shared appetizers began with the Shrimp Cocktail ($19) and Shrimp Remoulade ($19). I enjoyed the presentation with a vivid cocktail sauce layered over a row of jumbo shrimp on a bed of bright green lettuce. Both sauces were nicely flavored, however, I've had better tasting shrimp. I would skip this in favor of another appetizer, especially considering the price point.
I wasn't overly impressed by the Ahi Tuna Tartare ($16). This one paled comparison to some of my Boston favorites, although the toasted bread with balsamic on the side was a nice touch.
The appetizer worth splurging on is the Crab Cake ($19) with this one you get all the crab and none of the cake! A glorious mound of exceptionally tender and well seasoned crab meat is served over a creamy cajun lobster sauce. Order it if you are a crab lover for sure.
I would also recommend the Prime Beef Carpaccio ($14) served with a creole mustard and dotted with capers, the thin but lengthy slices of raw beef were generously layered on the plate.
Given a choice of salads, I opted for the Blue Cheese Lettuce Wedge ($11). With smokey bacon, fresh crisp lettuce and springy cherry tomatoes halves the components were lovely despite an overwhelming presence of blue cheese. The dry cheese crumbles are more than welcome in abundance but all that creamy dressing was too much for the wedge to handle.
For the steak course, our waitress explained the degree of cooking runs towards rare, so in essence what is actually ordered medium would be cooked medium rare. (Or something along those lines, fair enough.)
The supreme quality of beef was evident with each bite of my 8 oz Filet Mignon ($38) cooked to their ideal medium as desired with a fully pink center, retaining its flavorful juiciness.
The fork tender filet was liberally seasoned with black pepper and salt. It was an excellent steak indeed.
Vegetable sides run the gamut from simply steamed Broccoli ($10), to lightly blanched Asparagus ($11) with shaved almonds, to Sauteed Mushrooms ($10) bathing in savory pan juices.
The Chateau Potatoes ($9) are a perplexing side, I guess because I am not really sure what a "chateau" potato is supposed to be. A dish of heavy waxy mashed potatoes with butter and cracked pepper are good, nothing extraordinary.
A tower of the thickest Onion Rings ($10) I've ever seen are sensational, while the Lobster Macaroni and Cheese ($16) would prove more swoon worthy had actual chunks of lobster appeared within the cheesy sprinkled with buttery breadcrumbs sea of elbow pasta.
Behold the dessert platter, a sampling of their Lemon Cake, Banana Bread Pudding and Molten Chocolate Cake. Each of these proved something incredible. Usually I can pick a favorite dessert, but this time around, I was at a loss.
The Creme Brulee and Berries and Cream offer something lighter compared to a cake or bread pudding. Not that you didn't save plenty of room after all that steak!
I am content to recommend any of the five as worthy contenders to end a meal here.
The service executed by the waitstaff was friendly, helpful and attentive. The pacing of the meal, however, was considerably slower than expected. I took the opportunity to relish the time, enjoying the company of friends and new faces, appreciating the overall fantastic food and drink.
Commanding attention overhead are two giant chandeliers, the sparkling crystal figures hang to resemble exposed light bulbs.
The Blackberry Ginger Cocktail ($14) made with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, fresh blackberries, fresh lemon juice, mint and a splash of ginger beer, was also a winner. 
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House located at 250 Northern Avenue on Boston's Liberty Wharf is defined by a spectacular waterfront location where dining in luxury is met with extended hospitality. Come here to celebrate a special occasion, conduct a business meeting over lunch, relax after a long day in the office or have an extravagant night out!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Five Things to Love About Legal Harborside
1) Location. Legal Harborside boasts prime waterfront property in a vibrant, fresh faced area of South Boston. The recently developed Liberty Wharf is now home to sleek ultra modern buildings housing multiple restaurants. I was not only thrilled to check out Legal Harborside with friends after work the other night, but to finally see this new area of the city I had heard so much about for so long.
2) Views. Distinguishable from location in essence because while harborside views in general are unparalleled, those from a third floor roof deck are that much better. Amongst a bustling scene that was crowded upon arrival at 6pm and only filled with clientele as the night wore on, the open air views of the vast harbor offered a true sense of serenity.
3) Pitchers of Booze. Not just any pitchers of booze but strong, lust worthy, refreshing cocktails that are easy to sip. Pitchers that come in sizes small enough for you and a few friends to sample ($10) or large enough for groups to share ($20).
(Note: Instagram seriously distorts the pitchers/pictures as they appear! But I love them so and I cant help but share them even after tweeting.)
Equally worthy choices are the St Germain Cocktail or the Seaport Spritzer the former pairs the widely appreciated artisianal liquor with Rose Cava, the latter prosecco, Italian aromatized wines and grapefruit.
4) Roofdeck Bites. While the third floor isn't the place to order a meal, the complimentary bar snack mix and the $5 pita chip and dip selections will hold you over until dinnertime.
I'd choose the hummus with za'tar spices again over the kalamata and fig spread.
5) Lobster Rolls. Okay, so maybe lobster rolls are something to love about all Legal Seafood restaurants.
I typically left the family of Legal chains to the tourists and sought my seafood elsewhere, but the first lobster roll of the season proves a worthy contender.
Freshly shucked native lobster is lightly dressed with a celery mayo and generously piled on a soft buttery roll. Traditional fries came piping hot, dusted with salt.
At Legal Harborside the all day menu is served down on floor one in an informal dining area surrounding an open kitchen and raw bar. (How stunning is that stairwell?!)
We avoided the hour plus wait for dinner by settling on an open table boasting a street view of Northern Avenue rather than the optimal waterfront scene. At that point in the evening we had our fare share of views and it was all about the food.
(Note: Instagram seriously distorts the pitchers/pictures as they appear! But I love them so and I cant help but share them even after tweeting.)
I'd choose the hummus with za'tar spices again over the kalamata and fig spread.
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