Though I try to be on top of the scene and have apparently inspired other writers and reviewers in town to check out many of the places and products that we have been loving for some time, it appears that I may have made a few moves prematurely.
Thanks to my growing twins, I had to leave Southie just as the food boom was settling in. And while I do not get back as often as I like, I am loving what has developed there.
My latest discovery is Fat Baby, which is in the Dorchester Street spot that used to be Salsa’s Mexican and that is now run by Loco Taqueria’s Mike Shaw.
With its dark woods and dim lighting (and, I am happy to say, NO flatscreens), Fat Baby is a great place to focus on good friends and good food. Centered around a copper-topped rectangular bar that dispenses delicious Mai Tais and Singapore Slings and more original creations like the 8PM Taco (as well as customizable mocktails like a tasty tea and ginger beer creation I enjoyed on my first visit), the dinner-only restaurant allows floor to ceiling windows on Southie’s growing bustle and a peek into Chef Danielle Dorcil’s wonderful workshop, from which emerges sweet and melty Korean fried chicken, richly satisfying crispy rice cakes with tuna and ponzu, a shaved brussel sprout salad that brings the healthy with almonds and ginger, and a sushi list that can be ordered from the menu or on a handy a la carte sushi card that encourages experimentation and offers 15- and 30-piece chef’s choice combos as well. No matter what you order for apps and mains, be sure to ask about the off-menu desserts and do not be shy about overordering as the helpful staff is happy to box stuff up while you eat so you can try more (which I highly recommend).
So while I miss Southie, I am happy to say that there are many reasons to go back, including one scale-tipping toddler that makes everyone smile.