From left to right -Lin, me, Susie, Meghan, Chelsee, Elizabeth, Christine, Lingbo, Bridget and Tina. Sam's is open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch and the bar is open 7 days a week until 1pm. I'm already looking forward to a return visit! Whose in?!
Showing posts with label Tequila. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tequila. Show all posts
Monday, June 20, 2011
Sam's Patio Party
With prime waterfront property on Fan Pier, Sam's located at 60 Northern Avenue inside the Louis Boston building has a lot to offer, beginning and certainly not ending with exceptionally breathtaking views.
Weaving through a construction ridden parking lot, I followed signs leading me to an industrial warehouse; the facade a seemingly misleading and trendy disguise for what it beholds.
Sam's sits perched on the back half of the second floor, where at the entrance I was welcomed by owners Esti and Drew Parsons. It was an absolutely perfect day for an outdoor event as evidenced by sunny blue skies, a barely there breeze and calm waters.
The stylish single room interior offers panoramic views out two toned glass walls. Globe lighting flanks the perimeter of the lofty ceiling while pristine leather couches back retro cafeteria style tables. A small bar with modern stools and a black counter top sits in a corner of the back wall and to its right, the exit to the patio where the party was being held.
The wraparound deck is home to a trifecta of jaw dropping landscapes.
Boats pass by on the harbor, the city skyline parades in the distance over Rowes Wharf and just below an inviting bright green lawn expands to meet the Boston Harborwalk.
Views in Boston don't get much better than this!!
The backside of the building is nothing like the front, where besides those pristine glass walls, multi-toned wood panels construct the rest of the exterior. I imagine views of this place from a boat in the harbor are almost equally as striking. Note I said almost.
I was excited to find this girl behind the bar, my friend Jess Li who is a former waitress at longtime favorite hangout Delux.
She knows me all too well and wasted no time explaining the signature cocktail created especially for the event.
The Less Than Three (<3) is an inventive blend of tequila, cassis, grapefruit juice, muddled cucumber, mint and lavender topped with a splash of club soda and garnished with a salted cucumber.
Not to sweet, or too tart, the flavors were balanced and refreshing. Bloggers and other media reps were introduced to the talents of Sam's new chef Asia Mei through a sampling of passed appetizers.
The chef excels at pairing exciting ingredients in creative and unique forms. From the Crispy Jalapeno Crab Rangoon with sweet and sour plum gastrique to Mini Lobster BLTs with candied bacon, I was impressed early on.
One of my favorites was the Halibut Tartare cradled by a bibb lettuce leaf topped with thin crispy potato shavings.
But that was before I tried the Braised Endive, Grapefruit & Sesame Brittle where a spoonful of drastic flavors melded to create a divine bite. The braised endive was silky and bitter, the soft grapefruit was tart and juicy, the sweet crunchy sesame brittle rounding out the array of tastes and textures.
There were also thick and juicy, tender and flavorful Pistacio Crusted Lamb Lolipops up for grabs.
BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos topped with pickled cabbage and a dollop of creme fraiche had a spicy kick.
A hearty Quinoa Salad boasting almonds, feta cheese, blueberries and orange segments was a nice introduction to these edible grain like seeds.
Plate after plate of these inventive appetizers were offered, the waitstaff happy to accommodate our constant requests to photograph their trays.
After another Less Than Three there was white wine.
Basking on the deck in blissful weather sipping perfectly crafted cocktails and munching on fantastic appetizers was highlighted by the company of these ladies -
From left to right -Lin, me, Susie, Meghan, Chelsee, Elizabeth, Christine, Lingbo, Bridget and Tina. Sam's is open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch and the bar is open 7 days a week until 1pm. I'm already looking forward to a return visit! Whose in?!
From left to right -Lin, me, Susie, Meghan, Chelsee, Elizabeth, Christine, Lingbo, Bridget and Tina. Sam's is open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch and the bar is open 7 days a week until 1pm. I'm already looking forward to a return visit! Whose in?!Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The Bar at Bistro du Midi
It was actually months ago now that I first visited Bistro du Midi located across from The Public Garden at 272 Boylston Street. How the refined and welcoming bar offering house infused liquors, an impressive wine list, rustic breads and tasty appetizers remained absent from the blog all this time is beyond me.
I suppose having a few restaurant and bar visits in the vault isn't such a bad thing. Reminiscing is all the more sweeter, beginning with The Petanque ($11) made with house infused lavender-lemon blanco tequila, triple sec and fresh lemon and lime juice. This cocktail comes highly recommended, from myself as well as the amicable bartender.
The elegant Provençal version of the margarita was lavender lemony-lime bliss beholding a frothy pour. The final touch was in the coarse salt and pepper coating one side of the glass as opposed to the usual rim. 
The first floor opposite the bar is a beautifully decorated space. Is it just me or are weathered mirror collages some of the most aesthetically pleasing wall decorations there are? Tasteful green plants and vintage artwork serve to frame the cafe tables and comfy looking banquettes. A tiled archway on the far wall gives way to an open kitchen.
Arranged in a striking fashion a top the bar in square wooden vases are some extra long, thin and crispy bread sticks to start things off.
Substantial slices of hearty bread and a small dipping bowl of olive oil are presented upon placing your order.
My girlfriends and I ordered on the lighter side as we were just in for a quick bite to pass the time before an event. We found ourselves extremely satisfied with the three appetizer plates we chose off the bar dinner menu.
Olive & Eggplant Dip, Green Olive Tapenade, Crostini ($8)
Fried Point Judith Calamari, Spicy Pickled Red Peppers, Anchovies, Parsley, Pepper Aioli ($11)
Fried Artichokes, Aïoli ($7)
Although only one fried artichoke is pictured, I went back for seconds. This was my favorite bite of the three. The calamari was excellent too and the crostini was simple and crispy highlighted by bold flavorful spreads.
A more formal dining room is located on the second floor and in the warmer months a street level patio opens for al fresco dining. Enamored with my first visit to Bistro du Midi, I certainly can not wait for a return evening* to sample more of the modern Provençal cuisine in entree and dessert form.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Saturday in Witch City
On Saturday afternoon into the evening I met these two lovely ladies for some much needed drinks and catching up.
Erin and Tricia are posing with the bronze Bewitched statue situated in downtown Salem. This picturesque coastal Massachusetts town is known as "Witch City" in light of the infamous Witchcraft trials of 1692. No stranger to this destination, I've visited multiple times since Tricia purchased her condo here about a year ago and Adam and I took a day trip way back in the Fall of 2008 to experience what Salem had to offer during Halloween Season. (Probably the most notorious time to visit!)
This time it was all about catching up with the girls over some food and lots of drinks. All week I pictured basking in the sun on Pickering Wharf but some unfortunate dark clouds made their way in leading to torrential downpours that spoiled the sun drenched patio dreams.
But at least not the patio dreams all together.
At Captain's Waterfront Grill & Pub located at 94 Wharf Street I tried the Lobster Bisque ($5.59) and a plate of 6 Oysters on the Halfshell ($12.95) in between sipping some fun tropical drinks. I also photographed Tricia's Capt's Special Salad ($7.95) boasting a presentation of a thinly shaved cucumber slice wrapped around chopped salad greens with a side of steak tips.
The lobster bisque was underwhelming; the broth lacked flavor and the essential chunks of fresh lobster were amiss.
The oysters didn't live up to my expectations either; an unremarkable batch of this delicate sea creature appeared mangled and tattered. Perhaps a salad would have been my best bet! Noted.
The beverages fared much better than the seafood, I sipped on a Coco Loco ($5.59) a tropical island inspired beverage made with a blend of dark rum, Malibu rum, vodka, creme de banana, coco lopez and pineapple juice.
Next I enjoyed a Dark N Stormy ($5.25) a favorite mixture of Goslings Rum and ginger beer.
Not wanting to venture out into the ongoing downpours - we avoided the rain with another round at the bar downstairs. This time I went all out and ordered a 20 oz version (the latter two drinks being the 10 oz.) or as the menu creatively labels them "Half Mast" and "Full Rig".
Oh and I switched up my choice to a Down Island Iced Tea ($8.50) containing rum, vodka, tequila, triple sec and amaretto blended with sour mix and pineapple juice and a dark rum floater. YUM.
Captain's Waterfront Grill proved a relaxing location to enjoy a light lunch on the second floor patio overlooking Pickering Wharf and an extended liquid lunch while waiting out the storm at the sprawling downstairs bar. While the seafood didn't truly live up to my expectations, perhaps they were just having an off day.
Back at Tricia's condo we enjoyed some beers - including her boyfriend Dave's homemade batch of Belgian wheat ale while we watched Country Strong.
Our kind of movie - drama, good country music and easy to follow after an afternoon spent boozing! We did make it out that evening for some nightlife at Rockafellas, where I drank a Watermelon Margarita ($8) with a delightful sugared rim and we enjoyed the live band.
That's three Saturday nights in a row I've been away - first Cape Cod, then Connecticut, now Salem..... I'm hoping to stick around next weekend because as much as I love to venture about New England I can't wait for one where I'm not packing and unpacking all over again. Plus, it's not long before my bags will really be packed for a 4-day, long weekend jaunt to New Orleans!
Have you traveled anywhere near or far lately? Any upcoming travel plans you are looking forward to?
This time it was all about catching up with the girls over some food and lots of drinks. All week I pictured basking in the sun on Pickering Wharf but some unfortunate dark clouds made their way in leading to torrential downpours that spoiled the sun drenched patio dreams.Back at Tricia's condo we enjoyed some beers - including her boyfriend Dave's homemade batch of Belgian wheat ale while we watched Country Strong.
Our kind of movie - drama, good country music and easy to follow after an afternoon spent boozing! We did make it out that evening for some nightlife at Rockafellas, where I drank a Watermelon Margarita ($8) with a delightful sugared rim and we enjoyed the live band. Have you traveled anywhere near or far lately? Any upcoming travel plans you are looking forward to?
Friday, May 6, 2011
Ditch Friend Marry #3
It has been awhile since we've played, what do you say?! Three things that I've ate or drank lately: one gets the boot, one gets the infamous like button and the other wins my ultimate affection.
Ditch
I tried this all natural, preservative free product on a whim and ended up really enjoying it!
A pouch of noodles, a spice packet and some seasoning sauce - combine according to directions, add water and microwave.
The thick chewy Udon noodles bathe in a delicate broth of tofu and scallions.
Bold Japanese flavors from the accompanying seasonings lend a pleasant saltiness and mild spice.
It's an easy meal to prepare at lunch time in the office, but one of those microwave meals I eat sparingly so as to not become sick of them.
Annie Chun - so glad we're friends!
A Boston based business, Flat Black offers over twenty single-origin coffees from around the world. They micro-roast to ensure that your beans, brewed cup, or espresso beverage contain the richest flavors of origin. (Source - website linked above.)
Flat Black is Australian for Espresso; the company's original inspiration comes from a trip to Australia. From the website: Unbeknownst to most, Australia produces some superb coffee, grown on the slopes of an extinct volcano in a unique microclimate on the eastern coast. Discovering this little-known coffee producing region inspired a desire to bring rare coffees such as this back to Boston.
After a doctors appointment one morning, I wandered in to the Financial District cafe location at 50 Broad Street. (The other two locations are in Dorchester - Lower Mills and Ashmont.) I was greeted by a modern space with angular paneled wood walls, bright blue industrial ceilings, large arched windows, clean table tops and muted red chars.
A chocolate croissant caught my eye, (they will always remind me of France!) wrapped tightly to go, buttery and flaky with rich chunks of milk chocolate hidden inside the puff pastry walls.
The coffee was rich and smooth, with delicate bubbles frothing on the surface. I thoroughly enjoyed this cup and there is not much more to it than that.
The baristas were friendly which also served to win me over. It's always fun to discover a new place at random and leave feeling pleasantly surprised after the experience. Obviously "marry" is just a happy euphemism, don't go thinking I've gone off the deep end.
Your turn! Feel free to choose people, places or things - this is definitely not limited to food and drink. Tell me what you're Ditching-Friending-Marrying lately.
The margarita I made on Cinco De Mayo. (I know, wtf?)
I bought a shiny new bottle of Sauza Blanco but used and old bottle of Jose Cuervo "just add tequila" pre made (non-alcoholic) mix.
I was too cheap and lazy to purchase triple sec and juice my own limes. Never again. Truth be told, I wasn't feeling so hot, so I am not sure why I drank a margarita anyways. The pre-made mix tasted stale - maybe from sitting in my fridge for so long? Meanwhile, the ingredients on the label don't appear to be ones I can pronounce with ease. Not sure what I was thinking.
I'll make fresh, legit margs one of these days to redeem myself.
I was too cheap and lazy to purchase triple sec and juice my own limes. Never again. Truth be told, I wasn't feeling so hot, so I am not sure why I drank a margarita anyways. The pre-made mix tasted stale - maybe from sitting in my fridge for so long? Meanwhile, the ingredients on the label don't appear to be ones I can pronounce with ease. Not sure what I was thinking. Friend
Annie Chun's Udon Noodle Bowls
Marry
Your turn! Feel free to choose people, places or things - this is definitely not limited to food and drink. Tell me what you're Ditching-Friending-Marrying lately.
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