Restaurants

FINE CULINARY ARTS

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In the Boston area, we are fortunate to host some of the best cultural institutions in the world and some of the best food as well.

One of the venues that combines these two blessings is the Museum of Fine Arts, which has long been considered one of the greatest art collections in the world.

Recently, museum added a wonderful new acquisition in the form of chef Nicolas Boller who is been appointed Executive Chef for the Museum’s New American Café, Taste coffee bar, and catering services.

Chef Boller comes to Boston from New York City where he served as the executive chef for Barclays Investment Bank, and the popular thrill-ride RISE, where he helped develop menus and managed a scratch kitchen that served over 6,500 people a day!

He has also served as Culinary Director and Event Manager for the sustainable food company Scrappy Meals and also as Executive Chef at Saint Peter’s University, where he helped develop a “farm to table” program. He has also been involved with high-end events like the  MTV Video Music Awards and NBA Playoffs (something that Boston fans know well!).

Among the new sustainable and locally-sourced flavors Chef Boller is bringing to the Museum are roasted stuffed local squash, Iberian risotto, brick oven pizza, cheddar and chive scones, and a standout grilled octopus tartine! As befits the venue, Chef’s menu is expertly curated, his presentations artful, and his food enriching and satisfying and sure to bring people to the Museum on its own.

Speaking of other Museum attractions, Boston’s beloved John Singer Sargent will be feted with a special fashion-forward show starting October 8 and the recently-opened Strong Women in Renaissance Italy shifts the focus on this historically-artful time to the women who contributed as well.

Michel de Montaigne once observed that, “The art of dining is no slight art.” Where better to see evidence of the effort and love that goes into fine culinary creations than the Museum of Fine Arts?www.MFA.org

A LEGENDARY “GREASY SPOON” GETS EVEN HEALTHIER!

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When most people think of diners, they may not think of healthy foods. However, as we have seen at the 50’s Diner in Dedham and at our favorite South Street Diner in Boston, such combinations can be deliciously feasible.

While they may be famous for their pre-Sox game hot dog extravaganzas, big burger board, expansive Benedict menu, and mind-blowing pancakes that rival their sibling restaurant – the Good Morning America’s United States of Breakfast champ North Street Grill – South Street has always had a fitter side that makes repeated visits not only attractive but can make you more so as well!

Among the Diner’s latest diet-friendly offerings are gluten-free and vegan chicken tenders and sausage patties that go great with their vegan French toast and pancakes – both of which are made with gluten-free bread, oat milk, and egg substitute yet retain all the fruit-topped flavor of the original option. South Street also offers vegetarian chilaquiles that are as authentically South of the border as the meat lover’s variety that brings people from South Boston and beyond.

For those who like to pack in the superfoods while taking advantage of our local bounty, the Diner is upping its seasonal menu savvy with their famed Pumpkin invasion- a hearty plate of pumpkin French toast with a side of freshly-made pumpkin bread and pumpkin coffee (hot or iced). 

If coffee is too traditional a diner offering for you, South Street also offers a wide range of beverages that ranges from milkshakes and raspberry-lime Rickeys to local beers and international wines. And while the mimosas stop at 1 AM, everything else is ready whenever you are.

While the North Street Grille may have won GMA’s battle of Boston breakfasts, South Street is still an award-winning local legend that rewards repeat repasts. And whether you want to follow your diet or go all out, the Diner has just what you want…and more!

BACK TO THE ROCKS

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Though it is the home of the dramatically-inclined Beastie Boy progenitor Israel Horowitz and the Berklee-bound hero of the Academy Award-winning film Coda, and was a regular hang for legendary singer/songwriter Laura Nyro, Gloucester (which is also home to our friends at Pigeon Cove Ferments) may be better known for its fish sticks than its live music.

Soon. However, they that go down to the sea in ships will be able to come back to this historic and bucolic port town and rock out!

A new restaurant and performance space called The Cut is bringing over 20,000 square feet of food and entertainment space to Main Street.

With the help of Tom Clark (a veteran of House of Blues and Motown Café), talent buyer Randi Millman (who brought the bands to Johnny D’s and TT the Bear’s for decades), and producer Tony Goddess (who has worked with John Legend and local legends like Guster and The Cars), the Cut not only offers artists a place to play and record but also rehearsal studios for those who may not quite feel ready to headline just yet.

As for food, Chef Justin Plumadore’s gastropub menu will spotlight site- and season-inspired fare like beet carpaccio, fried chicken BLTs and fried oyster po’ boys, Szechuan salmon, flatiron steak and butternut squash and black bean enchiladas daily from 4:30-10pm, along with draught and bottled beers, hard kombucha, fine wines, and curated cocktails There is also an order-and-go window open from 11:30am-10pm for those who want to grab a bite sooner or hang out later.

Whether you can sing or not, be sure to make The Cut!

https://thecutlive.com

UNITING THE KINGDOM

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Combining the famed food heritage and hospitality of Europe with seasonal local ingredients, Thistle and Leek also combines the culinary pedigree of the legendary Craigie Street Bistro (where chef/owners Kate and Trevor Smith first met) in a cozy and familial space that is (rightfully) winning awards and accolades all over.

The Smiths’ united heritages are not only reflected in the name (thistle and leek being the national symbols of their ancestral homelands of Scotland and Wales), but also in many of the handmade décor elements (including items made by Kate’s Scottish màthair)  The handcrafted menu features creative takes on traditional British, American, and more international favorites like toasted sesame focaccia, smoked maitake mushroom salad, bok choy or octopus a la plancha, Coronation chicken, pork schnitzel, whole wheat garganelli with braised rabbit, and, of course, housemade chips. The hand-selected wine list can be professionally paired or personally explored and Thistle & Leek’s own housemade ice creams end any meal off well!

As another nod to the Smiths’ heritage, Thistle & Leek offers Sunday suppers that feature hearty favorites like roasts and soups that will make a visit to Thistle & Leek even more inviting! There are also plans for special cook-at-home holiday meals as wellAs it is tucked right alongside the trolley tracks in Newton Centre, Thistle & Leek is a great place to take a break after a hectic day at work but is also worth hopping on the train or raking whatever means of transport you need (double-decker bus, perhaps?) to explore and enjoy! 

www.thistleandleek.com

A MOTHER OF A SEQUEL

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While I recently raved about the long-lasting literarily-linked legend that is Harvard Square’s Grendel’s, I am just as excited to go back to the Square to check out its new sibling site, the Sea Hag.

Named for another character in the Olde English classic, this just-as-cozy and satisfying spot offers comfort food faves like fried pickles and calamari and Grendel’s legendary French dip along with scallop ceviche, a “messy” cobb salad topped with a fried egg, a grass-fed steak (available as a dinner or in a sub), and creative takes on arancini, Caesar salad, and other items that are sure to keep you coming back. 

While the broad but uniformly-delicious menu may make it difficult to decide among the many mouthwatering dishes, it may be even more difficult to pick between the sweet and savory sisters. That being said, as its name might imply, the Sea Hag seems to lend a bit toward fish and there are plans afoot for live music and other offerings that may help you decide, at least on some days.

From morning coffee and homemade muffins and scones to late-night snacks and all the vibe that Grendel’s has been delivering for decades, The Sea Hag is surely a great addition to the Harvard Square scene and one that will remind you of its glory days of yore.

Don’t hwaet to go! 

www.seahag02138.com / www.grendelsden.com

ADDING NUTRITION TO NEEDHAM’S GREAT FOOD SCENE

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As I am such a fan of local food makers and also of doing what I can to help keep myself, my family, and my listeners and other friends healthy, I am psyched to have Needham Nutrition as a new neighbor!

Located right across the street from my friends at Abbott’s Frozen Custard (where I like to pack on the protein of their creamy egg-based treats while curling chocolate-covered bananas), Needham Nutrition has delicious drinks that can easily fill-in for meals and that pack a ton of nutrition into cups with not so many calories or sugar and no dairy.

The shakes include over 20 grams of protein each and come in over 20 flavors, including blueberry muffin, orange cream, the Green Monsta, and my favorites, chocolate peanut monkey, peanut butter banana, and peanut butter and greens (get a theme there?). There is also a kids menu with even more fun flavors and lots of nutrition. But with tea varieties like Blue Hawaiian (which could be a good fundraiser for our Kingdom to the west), Captain America and Wonder Woman (all of which have fewer than 5 grams of sugar and come “loaded” with aloe, ginseng, guarana, and a ton of vitamins.), there is plenty of fun flavor and nutrition for fans of all ages.

Despite having fewer than 300 calories, the delicious shakes can easily take the place of a meal and I have used them as such many times. If you want even more nutrition, you can add fiber and metabolism boosters to the shakes and collagen, probiotics, and immunity boosters to the teas.

While there is no shame in enjoying any of the great eateries in downtown Needham – from perfect pizzas at Hearth to South American delights at Latina to locally-sourced Farmhouse faves and a delicious dinner with the amazing Winiker Brothers at Cook (followed by creamy custard at Abbott’s, of course!), it is great to know that you can now enjoy so much healthy and delicious stuff in one place- thanks to Needham Nutrition!

www.NeedhamNutrition.info

AN IVY-CLAD CLASSIC

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When I lived in Harvard Square many moons ago, I basically lived in the cozy confines of the legendary, literarily-themed eatery known as Grendel’s Den.

When I recently visited the Square to promote my book on the Ivy League (www.lionstigersbulldogs.com), I had the chance to return to Grendel’s and to remind myself of all that I’ve been missing since I left Cambridge.

From its bustling bar to its cozy corners, Grendel’s is a comfortable place to eat, drink, study, meet and catch up with friends, all while enjoying some of the best food and drink around. 

From customizable sandwiches to a raft of vegetarian and vegan options and from the famed French dip and Greek spinach pie (both of which have been on the menu for 50 years), PEI mussels, Guinness Irish stew and Faroe Island salmon, to authentic paella, quesadillas with everything from chicken to brisket, and Salvadoran veggies, the Grendel’s menu is an international feast of new and old favorites and dishes that are sure to become favorites soon. In addition to express lunches and other daily specials that make repeat visits even more of a pleasure, Grendel’s also offers great cocktails, including Margaritas, Sangrias, a proper Pimm’s cup, a wilder Whiskey flower, their famous big cucumber energy drink, homemade sangrias, and a monthly wheel of horoscope-inspired beverages. In addition to the Cambridge Amber that has been served for nearly four decades, the underground gem also offers cellar’s worth wines, meads, and Madeiras, and even some non-alcoholic options that are as tasty and slaking as anything around.

Harvard Square has changed a great deal in the past decades and has frankly lost a lot of its indie charm. That is why it was all the more satisfying to see one of the OG Square spots still serving super stuff to students and civilians alike!

Be sure to visit www.GrendelsDen.com and check out their podcast about their 40-year view of the Square and its people.

FILL YOUR FEED BUCKET 

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While the end of September may not be prime time for island goers, there are still many reasons to escape to Nantucket during the so-called shoulder season.

In addition to having opportunity to find private hideaways and to get to know the people who truly make Nantucket what it is (i.e., the locals), the end of September is also the time for Nantucket’s Chamber of Commerce to host their popular Restaurant Week.

From September 24-28, local legends like The Beet, Ethos Nantucket, Galley Beach, Island Kitchen, Lemon Press, Millie’s, and or, the Whale will be offering specials and new menu items so even long-time visitors and locals can find new favorites. Thanks to the NantucketGrown collection of local producers that supply ingredients and items to restaurants, yacht clubs, and other venues around the island, diners can also feel free to try new things, knowing that their edible adventures are supporting area artisans. 

As many of these independent farms and entrepreneurial ventures run all year, the fall is an especially important time to support them especially because, unlike most producers, they not only have to deal with the vicissitudes of a New England winter, but also with a much lower population of supporters. Another unique element of the island environment is that it serves as a microcosm of what is often a much more expanded ecosystem of producers, distributors, and consumers, allowing those who participate in and partake of it to get a sense of what goes into the foods they are putting into their bodies and how much love and care go into each delicious bite.

Though days may be shorter and nights cooler, as long as the sand is soft and the sunsets beautiful (as they are pretty much all year), it is never a bad time to visit Nantucket and to see what all the buzz is about even when it is not so buzzy.

While there, be sure to check out the many other visit-worthy attractions the island and the Chamber have to offer.

www.nantucketchamber.org/restaurant-week/

DEDHAM COMES ALIVE

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While the popularity of organic and plant-based foods (thankfully) continues to grow, it is not always possible for people to access such privileged produce. 

Fortunately, a locally-based chain is adding links to new communities to help more people benefit from our abundant bounty.

With a mission of energizing the vitality of all living beings (including the planet), Life Alive has been bringing “positive eating” and sustainable and sustaining nutritious energy to Boston, the Merrimack Valley, and the North Shore for nearly 20 years. In September, they are scheduled to open at Legacy Place in Dedham, offering yet another great dining option in this popular shopping center.

At all of their locations, Life Alive offers organic, plant-based options that are made with lots of love but quickly enough that you can fuel up and go, knowing your fuel is all-natural and all-beneficial (not to mention delicious!).

If you do dine in, the surroundings are comfy and colorful, offering a sustainable and sustaining rest from a busy day. Life Alive also caters to guests who are as diverse as their seasonally-shifting food options.

No matter where you eat or what you are in the mood for, there are sure to be new favorites every visit, thanks to an all-meal menu that ranges from enormously enjoyable warm grain and acai-based bowls and wraps that feature felafel, tofu, and other protein-packed parts, and a mousse-y smooth bowl of chocolate overnight oats that can help start your day or finish any meal with sweet sustenance. There are also hand-shaken iced teas and handmade smoothies that are extra great on a hot day.

Food allows us to live. Food from LifeAlive makes it more enjoyable to do so! 

www.lifealive.com

VINYL IS BACK!

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Though I am a HUGE fan of the award-winning North Street Grille and South Street Diner in Boston (both of which were recently chosen as Boston’s best breakfast places by Good Morning America), it is good to know that there is an great place to start the day in the ‘burbs as well.

The 50’s Diner in Dedham is tucked behind Whole Foods in Legacy Place. And while the outdoor mall includes many other notable eateries (including Friendly Toast, Shake Shack, Life Alive, Legal Sea Foods, and Capital Grille), it is still worth the visit on its own.

The wait can be long, but as soon as your tush hits the vinyl seats, you will definitely know it was worth it!

Tastefully decorated with art and furnishings that evoke a simpler time (including the phone booth that houses the ATM for this cash-only establishment), the Diner has been offering non-greasy traditional diner food and much more for 30 years, including huge freshly-made omelets, cinnamon rolls that serve as meal and dessert, hand-spun shakes and floats (including the orange-y Dreamsicle) and a 50’s Special that includes so much delicious food for so little you may think the Diner has not changed its prices since it opened!

As the kids menu includes not only the obligatory mac and cheese and chicken fingers but also fresh cold cut and salad sandwiches, and a “good ol’” PB&J that is better and newer than any I had ever made, the Diner is a great place to bring the family, either during a day of shopping or just for its own sake. And as there are no TV’s, you may actually be able to talk to your family between moan-inducing bites! 

When you do have to leave, be sure to pick up their great diner mugs and customized soda bottles and a bottle of their delicious honey mustard and take the good vibes of a simpler time home with you to enjoy between visits.

www.facebook.com/50sdiner/