Restaurants

PLNT-ING A FLAG IN COOLIDGE CORNER

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I recently talked about local restaurant legend Seth Greenberg opening Monteverdi in Cambridge.

Now another great Seth is planting a flag in another hot neighborhood.

Wellesley’s own Seth Goldman (who you may know as the creator of Honest Tea and Beyond Meat) is finally ready to open his popular plant-based burger joint PLNT Burger (that’s “P-L-N-T Burger”) in Coolidge Corner just across from the historic and iconic Coolidge Corner Theatre. 

Though PLNT Burger has already been winning rave reviews at Whole Foods Markets in MA and in its New York location, this opening will represent a sort of homecoming for Seth as it will mark the first Boston-area location for his latest expanding brand.

Known for their nutrient-rich, plant-based proteins in such delicious disguises as the admittedly misnamed (but no less delicious) steakhouse burger, the environmentally-friendly save the Bay filet, and convincingly crispy chik’n sandwich (as well as a burger that is made with real vegetables), PLNT Burger also offers a great Cool Kids lunch pack that is perfect for younger fans who want to eat right and do good by the planet. If you need a little pick me up, PLNT delivers with sweet potato crinkles, and even a plant-based chili that is perfect on colder days. When you’re done saving your health and the planet, reward yourself with an oat milk shake of Whisked! cookie. With so much nutrition and so little impact, you can’t go wrong!

As Seth would say (and often does!), “Eat the change you wish to see in the world” at PLNT Burger.

A VIEW-CARRÉ

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Though the Seaport may have already become too big for its bridges, there are still places to take in what was once the only view from the Hub’s newest neighborhood- that of the beautiful Boston Harbor.

For years, one of the best places to capture a truly Boston moment was while dining at the legendary Daily Catch while peeking out from beneath its brick arches at the rolling waves and warming sun and across to the Boston Harbor Hotel (which also offers great food and views).

While the Catch may be gone, the legendary view is back thanks to the local team that has opened a stunning new lounge called Marcelino’s Levantine Cocktails & Cuisine.
Helmed by Mediterranean Chef Maroun Nohra and bar director Refaat Ghostin, Marcelino’s is set to build upon the success of their Boutique Bar in Providence.

Offering masterfully-made mezze-style small plates and made-to-order mixes (both alcoholic and non-) that include such international impressions as olive sourdough,za’atar fattoush salad, saffron baby squid, and a decadent grilled lamb with Turkish ezme, as well as cocktails that feature tomato and oregano and watermelon and rhubarb, the Andalusian-themed space (which has been completely reimagined and redesigned) will also host live music and is perfect for after-work rendezvous and other special events.

Marcelino’s is sure to be the new perfect spot for a bite, a beverage, and a breathtaking view, so brave the traffic and come on down!

EVERYTHING OLD…

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Boston is famous for its historical landmark buildings, many of which have been open for centuries and have not changed in quite some time.

And while it can be fun to get lost in yester-year, they are also as a place for updating and making productive changes.

The Lenox Hotel has been peering over Back Bay for nearly 125 years and has hosted dignitaries, celebrities, and others (hopefully including my author talks soon!). Though it is a member of Historic Hotels of America and was once the tallest building in Boston(!), the Lenox recently brought all food service in-house and handed the culinary reins to Chef Daniel Kenney, who previously served at The Liberty Hotel in Boston and the Four Seasons in Costa Rica.

While we eagerly await the transformation of the famed City Table, guests and visitors alike can enjoy (and I DO mean “enjoy”!) the new menus and vibes at the Irish-influenced sidewalk cafe called Sweeney’s and the lobby bar that is now known as The Irving (after Irving Saunders whose family purchased the property in 1963).

Having trained with his team in Ireland, Chef Kenney now brings such authentic touches as Harp, Smithwick’s, and Magners to Guinness-bathed short rib sliders, a corned beef and cabbage sando, and a beer-battered fish & chips that is worth trying for the chips alone! From 11-2 daily, you can even enjoy the Full Irish Grill, which includes blood sausage, pub fries, baked beans, and brown bread, among other emerald enjoyables! There are also local faves like Duxbury oysters, clam chowder, and a colorful organic salad that is enough for two!

Speaking of company, the polished granite bar is a great place to meet friends from near and far and also to catch your favorite Premiere League or rugby match. It is also a great place to enjoy a Tipperary (with Teeling and chartreuse), a Cleggan Collins (with Gunpowder Irish gin), or a European wine. No matter what you enjoy, be sure to save room for the 99 Flake (complete with Cadbury chocolate and Bailey’s Irish cream drizzle) and lots of neighborly fun!   

A GREAT PLACE TO GET “HAMMERED”

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While Chanukah is officially “late” this year (starting on December 25), the folks at The Charles Hotel are already getting into the spirit with the return of the Maccabee Bar pop-up at Noir. 

Through New Years Day, the street-level bar and nosherie will get totally lit (with safety-conscious digital candles, of course) and offering sufganiyot (basically jelly donuts) and other special treats that will have you spinning your dreidel even if you also decorate a tree, light the world with Kwanzaa, or dance around the Festivus Pole.

For seven years, Maccabee Bar maker Naomi Levy has been bringing holiday fun and food to chosen places in New York and MA. And while she still hopes to land in NYC in time to recall the ancient miracles, the Charles Hotel is offering a special package for those who need to get their spin on in style.

In addition to the already great Noir menu, the pop-up features non-traditional traditional Chanukah foods from Executive Chef Sean Lizotte and Pastry Chef Daniel Angelopolus like left-of-center latkes, an authentic smoked salmon plate, and a different donut flavor each day. On the bev side, the illuminating cocktail list includes the sufganiyot sour, the Aperol Schvitz (made with real Manischewitz), the Hebrew Hammer (Maccabee means “hammer”), and a deliciously dark dreidel-inspired drink that comes with chocolate gelt garnish.

Of course, while you are in the hotel, be sure to drift upstairs to try the latest in farm-to-table excellence at Henreietta’s Table or live Jazz at Regattabar to find more holiday surprises.

So whether you feel lonely on Chanukah or just want to see how the 2% live, take a spin by Harvard Square to light up every night this month.

THE NORTH SIDE OF HEROISM

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We have often spoken about how Sol Sidell has used his South Street Diner near South Station to host special events that bring the community together. From hot dog parties when the Sox season starts to fundraisers for various groups and organizations (including Boston Senior Home Care, for whom he served as VP for 10 years), Sol’s heart is open as long as the diner is – 24/7.

On the other side of town, however, is another Sidell sibling who also does more than their share.

Having recently represented the region in Good Morning America’s United States of Breakfast finals, Robin Sidell of the North Street Grille was recently feted by Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) as a Community Hero for her work on behalf of the organization and the tens of thousands of community members who benefit from its programs and support with food insecurity, housing, job training, and more. She prepares meals for the elderly multiple times each month and has made her place a safe and satisfying stop for neighbors from all over.

As anyone who has enjoyed a meal at Robin’s place knows, food insecurity is never an option at North Street! The portions are huge and every bite is better than the one before. And while her URL is bestbrunchboston.com, the Grille is a great place for any meal at any time (8-4, that is)! Whether you try the Nutella French toast sticks, the truffled lobster mac & cheese, a sandwich or salad, or the anything from the massive burger and Benedict menus (which are also signatures of Sol’s South Street site), you are sure to leave stuffed and smiling, especially if you try one of Robin’s ridiculous milkshakes (without or without grown-up sauce). Even in winter, the Grille is worth trekking the Freedom Trail to find (especially as the line might be a wee bit shorter)!

Boston is blessed with great food places run by great people and the Sidell siblings are always at the top of that list. 

Please support them so they can continue to support others!

IRISH EXPANSION

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Many moons ago, I raved about The Dubliner – a genuine Irish eatery in Government Center that is owned by an authentic Irish restaurateur named Oran McGonagle.

After winning umpteen awards for his unapologetic Irishness and spending a million dollars on upgrades to the space, McGonagle is expanding his Emerald Isle empire with the eponymous McGonagle’s at 367 Neponset Avenue in Dorchester.

From standard favorites as Shepard’s pie, award-winning seafood chowder, and hand-battered fish and hand-cut chips, to Chef Aidan McGee’s astoundingly authentic Irish roast lunch on Sundays and an Asian-inspired “spiced bag,” as well as wood oven-baked pizzas inspired by McGonagle’s brother’s famous Mani Pizza in Ireland, the new location is setting up to be another ideal place for solo suppers and social celebrations. And with their exclusive Irish-standard separately-chilled beer lines found nowhere west of Dublin and their own whiskey club where members are granted private drink lockers for their favorite drams, the talented bar team at McGonagle’s will help guarantee your Guinness (and your meal) is filled with Craic.

In addition to great food and drink, McGonagle’s will also offer music from local and national artists and real football, Gaelic sports, and rugby on a pair of 20-foot projection screens.

Boston is known for its above-the-bar Irish culture and flavor. Now that bar has been raised again by a man and a place called McGonagle.

PORTER PARLOR

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I’ve had a lot of action in Cambridge Porter Square lately!

I’m selling my book about the Ivy league at Dudley Café (a great place in Cambridge and Boston that is run by my friends at Shanti, which is still one of my favorite restaurants in the area!) and am looking forward to returning to the Lizard Lounge on October 30 to see some of Boston’s best jam with my friend Shaun Wortis as part of his legendary pre-Halloween hootenanny.

In another piece of exciting news, mixologist-turned-restaurateur Rebekah Barr recently opened Margeaux Supper Parlor in the Porter Square Hotel!

Combining New England’s freshest with the South’s finest (along with the beverages that have already made Barr famous), Margeaux will meld recipes and flavors from Barr’s homes in New Hampshire and New Orleans in curated collections that land somewhere between tapas and main plates so everyone can taste everything while focusing on their own favorites.
From shrimp and Boursin grits and deviled eggs with fried Maine oysters to maple Bourbon-glazed steak tips and grilled smoked pork chop with Gruyere mac & cheese, Chef Julian Alzate (who trained under Jacky Robert at Ma Maison) will offer flavorful flair that will surely satisfy every taste.

In addition to Barr’s bespoke beverages, such as Mexican Old Fashioned tipped with barbecue sauce, a martini made with tequila, cherry, warm amaretto, and a sparkling wine chaser on the side, Wine Director Brandon Farrell will bring his expertise from the well-named Brilliant Wine Co. and well-heeled Eastern Yacht Club to add California flair to the New England and Southern fare.

Whether you have ties to Harvard or Lesley or just want great food in a fun atmosphere, this new Porter Parlor is the place to park it.

A DELICIOUS PLACE TO HOWL

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It’s the end of October, which means only one thing- it’s time for the Mardi Gras-themed Pumpkin Bash at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge!

Backed by the legendary Vudu Krewe, long-time music scene stalwart Shaun “Wolf” Wortis will jam along with other local legends at a charity-minded, costume-optional hootenanny that is sure to be a great take!

If you want to make it an EXTRA great night, reserve a table upstairs at Cambridge Common.

Combining upscale pub food with international flair and one of the best beer and drink lists around, the Common is a great place to grab a bite before a show or during a game or to meet and make friends while reading books about the Ivy League (Might I suggest lionstigersbulldogs.com?).

The Common is known for such amazing apps as fried pickles and pretzel bites, for their brunch favorite French toast sticks, and for offering both buffalo wings and tofu strips so even those who eschew meet can get in on the tasty fun! They also offer great beef and veggie burgers that call out to be combined with their award-winning sweet potato fries and a grilled cheese and tomato soup combo that is just right for this time of year. Their mac & cheese is rich and gooey and their fajitas sizzle with south of the border sabor. They even have healthy and flavor-packed bowls with everything from chicken to salmon to tofu!

To toast Wolf for his latest musical triumph, try a Barewolf Launchpad McQuack Red Ale, a Charles River Porter, or any of the other rare and special edition brews that the Common regularly rotates into their arsenal. On the way down to the show, see if you can find a review I wrote at the Lounge over 20 years ago. I will be there waiting!

BACK TO THE CLUB

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Though it has been some time since I wrote about music, I still get a thrill about catching my favorite acts at area venues!

And if I can enjoy a delicious meal at the same time- All the better!

In fact, Matt’s Meals was very much created when I was transitioning from reviewing bands until 1 AM to reviewing restaurants and then catching the opening act.

I recently returned to Club Café to catch my friend Lisa Gail Johnson who was performing as part of the Ladies Who Brunch cabaret series in the historic Napoleon Room. And while I caught up with other talented friends (including vocal behemoth Ron Murphy and fellow music scribe John Amodeo) I also got reacquainted with the welcoming vibe and delicious food and drink that the home of Drag Bingo has been offering since the 1980s as it protects the border between Boston’s Back Bay and South End.

The daring drink menu includes such legendary libations as the Sparkle Factor and Pixie dust margarita and a solid set of liquors and liqueurs for every taste and occasion.

While brunch is a specialty (natch!) that features French toast casserole and creative omelettes, the main menu ranges from housemade tortilla chips and half-pound burgers to MD crab cakes and locally-sourced lobster rolls to crunch salads and Shanghai power bowls, and LGBT wraps that wave the flavor flag proudly. No matter what you order, be sure to get your gang some legendary disco fries and save room for a dessert made fresh by our friends at Bread & Roses Bakery in Ogunquit, ME.

For those who want to enjoy more of the Club more often, memberships allow for line cutting, birthday surprises, and other special privileges.
But for anyone who comes (and I mean “anyone”!), Club Café is always a safe space to let loose and have fun with some of the most creative and talented people AND some of the best food and drinks in town.

SUIT UP FOR SCOTCH AND STEAK

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While they have long been known for some of the best food and most engaging and attentive servers around for years, Davio’s has lately begun to expand their already impressive offerings into a growing menu of special events that may soon include author talks featuring a certain radio food critic!

From cake decorating to flower arranging, Davio’s has been offering its friends and neighbors opportunities to learn new skills and get to know new people and products that can help them entertain and be entertained as well.

On September 18, Davio’s at 75 Arlington Street at the top of Boston’s Back Bay will host an exclusive evening of fashion and flavor when men’s haberdasher extraordinaire Milton’s and some of the most popular whiskey makers from around the world combine forces to present a night of Suits and Scotch.

While enjoying some of Davio’s most popular (and rightfully so!) hors d’oevres – including their fresh tuna tartare and cider bacon-wrapped scallops, as well as their legendary meatballs and internationally-known cheese steak spring rolls – guests will also be able to try bespoke cocktails made with Wyoming Whiskey, Highland Park, and The Macallan. 

As they enjoy their food and drink, guests will also be offered a special preview of the latest tailored looks from Boston’s favorite family-owned men’s store.

Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at https://davios.com/bos.

Another great event that has been bringing many people to Davio’s is its Power Lunch, which is served weekdays from 11:30-3 and includes an appetizer, entrée, and sweet treat for $32. It’s like Restaurant Week every week!

So whether you like your Whiskey neat or in an Old Fashioned, there is nothing old fashioned about the great food and fun events at Davio’s – other than the delicious family-inspired recipes and total dedication to the customer, that is!