At five I went to Nutcracker
I saw it at the Wang
It is now at the Opera House
I hear it’s pretty
For many years, the holiday season in Boston has meant one thing- Getting the family gussied up and trucking into Boston to see the amazing Boston Ballet version of The Nutcrracker.
And while we at Matt’s Meals have nothing against Mikko Nissinen and his talented troupe (Full disclosure, one of our parents is on the Board), we would like to suggest an alternative- at least for 2016.
Just down the road (Storrow Drive, that is) in Watertown is the ever-evolving (and improving) commercial area that centers on the historic Arsenal. In addition to shopping dining, and the original scoreboard from the Boston Garden, visitors to this soon-to-be-even-better space can also enjoy one of the best theatre companies in the area- the New Repertory Theatre (www.newrep.org).*
Having presented some of the world’s best actors and productions for over 40 years to the area in a list of shows that includes over 70 local, regional, and world premieres, the New Rep has finally found the opportunity and a sparkling cast to mount the ever-provocative and perhaps ever-more-poignant “Fiddler on the Roof,” starring such rising stars as Abby Goldfarb, Alyssa Rae Surette, and Patrick Varner, as well as local legends like Bobbie Steinbach (who will return as Golda Meir from March 25-April 16, 2017) Amelia Broome, and Jeremiah Kissel as Tevye.
While the story by Sholom Aleichem centers on a milkman, regular readers may ask why this sustaining show is being feted in a food-related publication.
The answer has to do with what we are suggesting become another tradition for holiday time or any time- Strip T’s (http://stripts.com).
For over 30 years, this unassuming spot just off Arsenal Street has been serving up some of the best burgers, sandwiches, salads, and other creative concoctions this (or any) side of the Theatre District. Part counter-service diner-y neighborhood spot with TDF cookies under plastic domes and a soda cooler and CRT TV in the corner; part eclectic dining room with a hammered tin roof, local art on the walls, and an electric fireplace in the corner, Strip T’s has recently brought in Aquitaine Group ace William Nurse to oversee and enhance the already popular menu. Among the brightest stars in the playbill are the bursting Caesar (Strip T’s takes credit fro bringing chicken and other toppings to the Greek classic), the well-named and amazingly tender and flavorful run-off-the-bone Moxie wings (which refuses the politely provided side of napkin packets in favor of perfectly appropriate finger sucking), the umami-mad vegetarian eggplant Banh Mi (which is available as a sandwich for lunch or a “sando” for dinner, alongside the award-winning burger which insists upon you calling your mother or anyone else you love after enjoying it).
If it is your first time (though certainly not your last), the friendly supportive staff are happy to make recommendations and chic enough to place new flatware on top of your paper napkins with each new course. While any of these are meal worthy, Strip T’s “mains” include fried chicken with Tabasco collards, pork schnitzel with jalapeno spaetzle, chili-rubbed teak frites with togarashi fries, and fried catfish with pickled green beans, black eyed peas, and Creole tartar. No matter what you try, however, it is nearly impossible to go wrong, especially as nearly every ingredient comes from area farms and meat and produce providers that you probably already know and love (such as Siena and High Lawn Farm) or will soon (such as Ben the Mushroom Man and VT’s Brown Boar Farm) and Nurse knows how to get the best bang from every bite. And if you need a little extra bite, the list of savory sides includes seasonal pickles, Japanese sweet potato wedges, and signature Strip chips (which are great for a snack while you discuss the evening’s theatre or any other issues). On weeknights from 11 AM to 5 PM, Strip T’s features their notable Ramen dishes in a (legal) Happy Hour that encourages tasting, sharing, and other means of enjoying.
In addition to great food, Strip T’s also offers an impressive list of domestic ciders and beers and international wines, as well as house cold brew and other caffeinated faves, Barritt’s ginger beer, and even fresh fruit lime rickeys. While the dessert list may be small, it is not to be missed, as the ingredient-listed sweets are perfect means of remembering one of the best meals you have had in a while.
I can’t wait to go back and see Bobbie as Golda after another meal at Strip T’s!
* Please note that Revels (www.revels.org) – another amazing theatre troup who annually present another holiday tradition (Christmas Revels) – is also located in the Arsenal area.