In the past month or two, we’ve been getting back into the groove of dining out! Although I’ve mostly dined outdoors at this point, I have also been inside once and was pretty comfortable doing so.
I thought I would share some of those experiences with you this week, along with a few recipes that I’ve cooked at home with links as well. So here goes.
For our first outing, we decided to try Peregrine, the restaurant at The Whitney Hotel on Charles Street in Boston. The restaurant is pretty small, and I had reserved outdoor dining which, as it turned out, consisted of 3 tables really tightly nestled on the sidewalk with pedestrian traffic really close by. Indoor dining was reserved for hotel guests, but they did have a lovely courtyard in the back and they were happy to seat us at a table there thankfully…
The table we sat at was completely bare due to Covid, and we were mostly on our own but we were so happy to be in a beautiful space. The service, I have to admit was a bit rough, but I can’t stand in judgement of any restaurant trying to do its best getting back on its feet! Thankfully, the food was absolutely delicious, all dishes influenced by the Italian islands of Sardinia and Sicily, and neighboring Corsica and Catalonia, executed by chef Joshua Lewin, formerly of Beacon Hill Bistro. Here’s a glimpse of our dinner…
Charred Asparagus, Caper Raisin Vinaigrette, Anchovy, Cured Egg and Pecorino…
Garlic Gulf Shrimp, rosemary garlic potatoes, sherry vinegar…
Spring risotto, fiddleheads, spring onion…
Catalan tomato bread, Serrano ham, pepperoncini, chili flakes. This was so delicious, we decided to order a second plate…
I finally got to dine at Saltie Girl! Saltie Girl’s original space on Dartmouth Street in Back Bay was tiny and very difficult to get a reservation at pre-Covid. The restaurant took over the space of its adjacent sister restaurant, Met Bar and now boasts a sizable outdoor patio where I met a friend for lunch. Saltie Girl’s menu is largely seafood so of course I wanted my first lobster roll of the season. The menu offered one served cold or warm with butter. My friend, Ann insisted I try the warm with butter version and oh my it was insanely good. I may never go back to a cold roll…
I also had my first visit to Committee in Boston’s Seaport where I met my friend Barbara. If you go, you must try the artichoke moussaka. Artichokes, caramelized onions, potato, bechamel sauce. I need a recipe for this…
For our anniversary, we visited the Isabella Stewart Garnder Museum and then followed up with some drinks at Trifecta, the newly opened, elegant bar at One Dalton in Back Bay…
And then enjoyed dinner for the first time at Fox & The Knife in Southie (no pics).
In the kitchen, I made Elizabeth Minchilli’s Asparagus Carbonara which I topped with crispy prosciutto. It was easy and a satisfying quick dinner…
And “The Best Greek Potatoes” from ScrummyLane that was one of those recipes you aren’t sure is going to work but it totally does and you are so happy you made them. I added 1/2 teaspoon of paprika to the marinade and might add some fresh herbs next time. An easy side dish for almost anything…
And lastly, this simple Lobster Chopped Salad with Brioche Croutons, dressed with a lemon vinaigrette that was an easy, colorful and very tasty dinner. No recipe required…
What about you? Have you been dining out? Let us know! Are you still cooking like mad? Any favorite recipes you’d like to share?
Until next time…
Two Years Ago: Old Dominion Rolls
Three Years Ago: White Bean Tabbouleh with Avocado Dressing
Four Years Ago: The Lost Kitchen’s Rhubarb Spoon Cake
Five Years Ago: Strawberry Gazpacho
Six Years Ago: Grilled Lamb Kebabs
Seven Years Ago: Peach & Blueberry Crumble with Quinoa-Oat Topping
I really shouldn’t read this when I’m hungry Val! It makes me just want to head into the kitchen and cook and then devour everything in site (when I should be working)! Definitely going to make some reservations. You’ve inspired me!