SLS Part 10: Boston Common Coffee Co.

Last Friday my camera was tucked safely away in my suitcase and a 12pm departure time to Falmouth for a friends wedding was fast approaching. Perhaps the shortest Summer Lunch series to date, there was no time for a leisurely meal so I opted for something quick and reliable.

Boston Common Coffee Co. is a cozy North End coffee shop located at 97 Salem Street. I've mentioned them quite a few times before; their coffee, baked goods and paninis are top notch. Their cozy living room space offers free wi-fi, so often I'll head over with my computer when a change of scenery from my own living room is in order. One of my favorite paninis, basically a glorified grilled ham and cheese is the Hanover ($6.75) which satisfied as the second to last (ah where did summer go?!?) lunch. Black Forest Ham is paired with sharp cheddar cheese and bacon, which gets topped with an apple chutney and pressed between 7 grain bread. All paninis come with a free side salad, of either mixed greens, white bean, tabouli or tortellini. I chose the white bean, a lightly dressed mix of chickpea and kidney beans. It was noon after all, so I had already sufficed my coffee craving with a cup or two at home. I washed lunch down with a favorite sparkling citrus beverage, Orangina, just in time for our ride to the Cape to arrive. It was a weekend full of wedding festivities, which I'll be sure to recap once I have a moment to go through all the pictures!

SLS Part 9: Joe's American Bar & Grill

The second Summer Lunch post this week - that must mean I'm catching up! I spent last Friday afternoon lunching and bridesmaid dress shopping on Newbury Street. The bride-to-be is one of my best friends from college, and we were joined by her Mom and younger sister who were in town from New Jersey, as well as her sister-in-law to be. Dress shopping was an instant success at L'Elite Bridal Boutique, as the five of us narrowed down potential styles and colors to unanimously decide on the dresses. I have dress shopped and had alterations done at L'Elite before, they are definitely becoming a trusted source for all things bridesmaid. 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.

Summer Lunch Series Part 8: Neptune Oyster

After blogging regularly for a year and a half now, I've come to realize certain content becomes repetitive. Annual trips, restaurant week dinners at previously reviewed favorites, North End Festivals, and in this very instance, the Hot Lobster Roll from Neptune Oyster. I ventured to what is easily recognized as one of Boston's top seafood establishments for SLS 2010 Part 7 and I came back again this summer because it is simply that good. And because Megan has been encouraging a visit together ever since she saw my write up last summer. Two Friday's ago (I'm just a little behind with posting!) We endured a short (half hour) wait after putting our names in around noon, which is typical of the tiny, ever crowded Salem Street bistro meets raw bar.
Expect them to take your name and cell phone number, allowing you to wander around the North End until your table is ready. We browsed some local boutiques and relaxed on a Greenway bench before returning promptly 30 minutes later. We were showed our seats shortly after returning. I slid into the comfy red leather banquet underneath one of the large mirrors framed in a heavy dark wood, offset by the polished white tiled wall. Listed directly on the mirrors are the food and drink specials, which serve to add a simple sophistication to the ambiance. We started with a glass of Prosecco ($10) each and chose from a large index card of the namesake signature offerings. Oysters! I recommend taking advantage of the varietals from both coasts, comparing and contrasting versions of these freshly shucked sea creatures never ceases to delight. Working our way from east coast to west, first we enjoyed the local Wellfleet ($2.60) which are extremely briny with a sweet buttery finish. Next a Kumamoto ($2.90) from Willapa Bay, Washington which are sweet, plump and creamy with hints of honeydew melon. Last we slurped the Kusshi ($2.90) from Deep Bay, British Columbia. These are tiny in size, pleasantly sweet and mildly salty with a crisp cucumber finish. The Hot Lobster Roll ($25) as I alluded to above, is a must order. We decided to split one, there is easily enough lobster meat on their to satisfy a duo, not to mention this option is little lighter on the wallet.

Don't mistake that to mean the $25 isn't worth the splurge. Piled into a soft griddled brioche bun is a mountain of warm, butter-drenched lobster chunks and nothing else. Velvety smooth claws and sweet succulent tail meat grace every bite. Intensely seasoned crispy fries also in enormous proportion, seal the deal. How many different ways can I explain how good that lobster roll is? I know you've read it all before, and the fact that I dedicated a summer lunch series two years running speaks volumes. A lively atmosphere drenched in character, with service to match, Neptune Oyster enchants and charms all who dine here. Add it to your list of "must visit spots" for sure.

Summer Lunch Series Part 7: Anthony's Pier 4

A historical splurge worthy seafood institution that has long capitalized on Boston's prime waterfront views is Anthony's Pier 4. The original owner, Anthony Athanas, immigrated to the United States from Albania with his parents in 1916 at the age five. Dedicated and hardworking, Athanas rose the ranks to eventually personify the American Dream, opening a number of successful restaurants before his flagship Boston establishment came to fruition in 1963.Immediate success and praise was followed by years of hosting the likes of US Presidents, Government heads, athletes, entertainers and more; as displayed proudly by a collage of photographs covering the walls in the large entrance way. Athanas passed away in 2005 and today the restaurant is owned and operated by his four sons.Considering the fact that the South Boston Waterfront is now home to a number of modern steakhouses, seafood restaurants and others, including big name franchises or local expansions, I think it is important to embrace the history associated with Anthony's and the success it has seen in this area for decades. For all the more recent additions to Fan Pier and Liberty Wharf that have been met with tremendous praise, Anthony's deserves an equal dose of my affections. The decor embodies a time in history where Rum Rooms existed, their very own displaying weathered furniture and dusty floors. The expansive dining room is filled with Captain's chairs crafted of sturdy wood and leather and an expanse of thick patterned carpet still remains underfoot.An open air lobster tank greets you upon arrival and the bar is crafted to form the likes of old schooner. Anthony's certainly has a distinguished look and feel whether it translates as older generation elegance or nautical kitsch. I think that it is a welcome combination of both.And lets not forget the panoramic harbor front views. No matter the buildings atmosphere, the views remain timeless.Adam and I started off with a round of draft beers, poured in appropriately labeled pint glasses (I love when restaurants pay attention to these small details) a Harpoon IPA ($4.95) for him and a Sam Summer ($4.95) for her.
A basket of fresh Popovers and slabs of soft butter were delivered right after we placed our orders. Breaking into the hollow muffin shaped roll, the swelled batter in addition to releasing piping hot steam, was light, eggy and moist on the inside and delicately crunchy on the outside. Popovers are certainly a highlight of the experience here.

We continued our lunch with 1/2 dozen Oysters ($14.95). Last Friday just so happened to be National Oyster Day so was it fitting to enjoy a freshly shucked batch of bivalves. However, I would have been slurping these down regardless of the declared "food holiday".Our platter consisted of three Norwalk Bluepoint Oysters from Long Island Sound, Connecticut and three Penn Cove Oysters from Samish Bay, Puget Sound, Washington. Adam preferred the Penn Cove which were firmer with a bright brininess and cucumber finish. I liked the Norwalk Bluepoint best, they had a moderate saltiness with a sweet gentle finish.

If last Friday wasn't the epitome of the perfect summer lunch, I don't know what is.Behold the beauty that is my bucket of Ipswich Fried Clams ($19.95). Once I saw this special listed on the chalk board just outside the dining room entrance, I was pretty much sold.

Batter dipped and deep fried, this iconic New England delicacy is prepared with whole soft shell clams, the bellies left intact to impart a richer flavor. Anthony's served an impeccable, large proportioned batch alongside thick creamy and tangy tartar sauce, lightly dressed coleslaw and your standard cut french fries. Unfortunately, the fries were lackluster. Adam said they were great as he chowed down on the portion that came with his Lobster Roll ($19.95), but I felt they were too soft, lots of potato and not enough fry. By the way, he loved his lobster roll. I commented that it looked heavy on the mayo but he was quick to correct that this was not the case. Those were some extremely large chunks of fresh claw meat. (And the camera lens became foggy as I reached across to get that shot - from the steam rising off my clams!)

Service was smooth and well paced. Our waiter, dressed head to toe in a pressed sailors uniform was friendly and efficient. All the details were attended to without us having to ask. Waters were refilled and plates were cleared promptly. Tabasco and horseradish were delivered with the oysters and ketchup with the meals upon arrival. Lunch today was mostly comped, the lovely Amelia Mango of the company responsible for Anthony's website development hooked me up with a $50 gift card awhile back. I was under no obligation to review the restaurant, however I can't say I would have been persuaded to visit otherwise! (Simply wasn't on my radar.) Adam and I were so glad we did though, especially with the recent announcement of its impending closure.*We enjoyed a leisurely harbor front stroll from the North End and back, stopping afterwards for a visit to the neighboring Institute of Contemporary Art where the free Friday admission (one time only on that day) persuaded us in. But not before a goofy photo shoot with the parking lot locomotive...Yes, all four of these were necessary.

*I read yesterday on Boston Restaurant Talk that Anthony's is closing its doors because the space it occupies is slated for replacement by a one acre public park. There is potential of it re-opening in a nearby location on the property. Construction for the park won't begin until Spring 2012 so it looks like you still have time to visit this Boston landmark before it no longer remains in its original form! For additional details about the construction scheduled to transform the Seaport District's Pier 4 check out this Boston Globe article.*