Best Birthday Ever

My birthday is my favorite day of the year for only one reason. I get to pick WHEREVER I want to go to eat, and not be judged for it. I start brainstorming ideas around mid-June in preparation, and go back and forth for weeks. Do I go for...a "best of Boston" restaurant? a place I've always wanted to try? a place I could never afford normally? my typical go to burger spot? or a place with great dessert?

Can you see why this tortures me?

Well for the first time ever- I fulfilled my lifelong dream of actually going to two different restaurants to complete my birthday meal. I mean it is the day of my birth, so why shouldn't I get the best of both worlds?

So all day at work when people asked me how I was celebrating my birthday, I proudly announced that I would be heading to Shake Shack for a burger and cheese fries and then stopping by Cheesecake Factory for some cookie dough cheesecake. As you can imagine, I got several reactions. Some were horrified (no longer talking to those people), some amused, some surprised and my favorite type of people- the jealous ones.

 

I want everyone to know that you too can make your birthday (or any day) amazing by attending more than one restaurant for your special meal. HECK- next year I might even do 3. Its called CUSTOMIZING people! Life's too short! The hungry train is leaving the station, and I encourage you to join me on this amazing journey.

Yogurt Pie

Its kind of ironic that I am posting a healthy dessert less than 24 hours after posting a picture of frosting and grahams (aka homemade dunkaroos). Oh well, there's  no method to my maddness.

Here is a great summer dessert that is yummy, refreshing and light in cals!

What you need:
-1 Container of fat free cool whip (8 oz)
-2 of your favorite yogurts- preferably a fruit flavor
-1 pre-made reduced fat graham cracker crust
-Any chopped up fresh fruit you want!

This literally takes two minutes to throw together. In a medium sized bowl, mix your entire container of cool whip with your two yogurts (I chose low fat strawberry greek yogurt). Next, fold in your chopped fruit (I went with some strawberries and blueberries) . Pour your mixture into the pre-made graham crust. Smooth out the top, and then place the plastic cover on top. Freeze for at least 6 hours.

 

Take it out and let it sit about 15 minutes before serving to soften-then slice and eat up! Its the perfect dessert for a hot summer night. Also, its nice to make on a Sunday and enjoy a few nights throughout the week!

The Local- 1391 Washington Street, West Newton, MA

So if you haven't noticed...I haven't posted a recipe in a month or so. Well, sorry guys, its summer where my main priorities include eating out, going to the beach and drinking beer. Let's face it- there is nothing fun about cooking when its 90 degrees outside. No thanks. So I spend my nights eating chicken salad sandwiches, chowing on BLTs with extra bacon on the side (duh) or planning out my next restaurant attack.

So on this awesome Thursday that is like a Friday (i love when that happens), we celebrated the long weekend by kicking it off at the Local in Newton, MA. The Local is known as one of the best restaurants in Newton for its cool bar atmoshere and dynamite food. They breakdown their menu in my favorite way possible, having TWO categories of apps- "Snack things" and "Small things". We ordered the house potato chips with warm onion dip and the Parmesan truffle fries. Both were UNREAL and you NEED to get them if you go! The house chips were salty and crispy and tasted bomb.com with that onion dip and the fries were a good medium sized fry doused in truffle oil and parm cheese. The portions were awesome, and these two apps were perfect for a party of 3!

 

 

For meals, Jake and Brenna got the special flatbread of the night-chicken, bacon ranch, and I (clearly obsessed with truffle oil) got the mushroom and truffle mac and cheese. The mac and cheese was made with a totally different pasta than I had expected or ever seen before in mac and cheese. I looked it up and google says its called ditali rigati. The sauce wasn't overly cheesy but had a really good combo of cream, truffle oil and cheese. The shrooms were also tender and flavorful. I got about halfway through, and since it was an early dinner, I accepted the fact that I would plan on finishing it at around 8pm.... T minus 1 hour 29 minutes and counting :)

 

Since chicken, bacon, ranch is a common "thing" now- I think we really  need to recognize whoever decided to put these three impeccable flavors together. You are truly a foody Picasso. 

 

Sidenote: This might not look like much pasta, but this bowl ran DEEP - and so did my love and affection for it.

 

This is definitely one of those places that you recommend to anyone coming to the area. Great atmosphere, friendly staff and most importantly, REALLY good food!

The Clam Box - 246 High Street, Ipswich, MA

In my food aka only POV, one of the best things about summer is seafood. As New Englanders, we are lucky to have access to some of the freshest seafood in the country. As much as I love the stuff, I really don't go out of my way to eat it that much. However, my dad had mentioned that the Clam Box in Ipswich was known for the best seafood around, so this was a necessary trip to make!

The Clam Box of Ipswich has been serving customers for 60 years and has been recognized nationally by Food Network, Chronicle, U.S Airways and Yankee Gourmet for its fried clams and clam chowder. They are known for having a line out the door, and last Saturday, they did not disappoint!

We waited for 25-30 outside the tiny restaurant. We ordered a clam roll, and clam plate with french fries and onion rings at the single counter window. After waiting for about 15 minutes, our number was called and we ventured outside to grab a table! They also have a small dining room with indoor seating, but it was such a nice day, we wanted to take advantage.

As you can see, the clam plate was enormous. The clams were lightly fried, and tender. I hate it when fried clams crunch and chewy, taking away from the flavor of the seafood. These were literally fried perfectly. The fries and O-Rings were pretty standard, but also delish. These were by far the BEST clams I have ever had. You can tell they have been doing this for a very long time and have the freshest ingredients they can get their hands on! I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who loves seafood and isn't afraid of waiting in line for a heavenly feast!

Afternoon Tea at the Fairmount Battery Wharf- Boston, MA

I have always been a big tea drinker. Not in the antioxidant healthy green tea way, but in the after dinner earl grey kinda way. Us Irishfolk love our tea. So when it was time to find a birthday gift for my younger sis, the Afternoon Tea at the Fairmount Battery wharf jumped out at me as a perfect choice!

The Fairmount Battery Wharf is located right on the waterfront in Downtown Boston. This luxury hotel is located just steps away from the North End and Faneuil Hall. They now offer afternoon tea from 2:00-4:30PM every day in the Battery Lounge. City+Saturday+Sunshine+food/bev=perfection

We ordered the Traditional Afternoon Tea for 2, which for $39 included a pot of tea for each of us, and (the best part) a 3 tiered tower of deliciousness. The tower includes mini sandwiches, scones, croissants, cookies and more and more and more. You get two of everything, so you don't even have to fight over stuff (I would have).

The overall experience was really cool and relaxing. We stayed for about 2 hours, really enjoyed the view and our food. Plus! Its only $10 validated valet parking! BOYAH! Accessibility is HUGE for me when it comes to dining in the city- and bonus, I kinda felt like a celeb valeting.

Sidenote: did anyone else eat these for snacks as kids? I remember bringing a little bag of sugar cubes with me along with my PB&J. Sidenote from the sidenote: Don't horses also eat these as snacks?

The top tier came with a Devonshire cream (whatever that is) and Strawberry Jam. All I know is I could put it on anything and it would be divine

 

 

http://www.fairmont.com/battery-wharf-boston/promotions/afternoon-tea-boston/

Shake Shack- 49 Boylston Street, Newton, MA

Some of you might remember my recent disappointing and life changing experience at my previous "go-to" burger joint- Fudruckers. Ever since, I've been looking for a new restaurant to fill the gaping hole in my heart and stomach. Well- I think its been done.

People have been telling me to go to Shake Shack for months, and I finally made the 10 minute drive over to Chestnut Hill a few weeks ago. We went on a Friday night at 7 and were greeted by a lovely line of people at the door. Unlike others, lines for food actually excite me. It means that people are willing to stand awkwardly for a long period of time for 10 minutes of eating bliss.

The line took about 30 minutes and then we ordered. I got a single shack burger, chocolate shake and cheese fries. After about 15 minutes, our buzzer went off and the heavenly feast began. The burger was topped with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and ShackSauce. To be honest, right before I dove in I thought "this doesn't look like anything special"- but boy was I wrong. It was one of the best burgers I've ever had. And, I can't put my finger on why! The obvious guess would be the sauce, but I really think its the cheese to burger ratio.

 

Same thing happened with the cheese fries. They look like your basic cheapo frozen fries doused in melted cheddar, but they were so addicting. I DONT GET IT!!!

 

My meal was topped off by a delicious chocolate shake that (was a little small) but still delicious.

 

Overall, if you can't tell, I am SO excited I finally tried this place. If you are a burger person and haven't been here- you are doing yourself a disservice.

 

Get ready Shake Shack! I will be a loyal customer for years to come!!

Highland Kitchen- 150 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA

First, I feel like I need to explain my absence. I was on a work trip last week to San Francisco! Bummer because I couldn't blog, but also awesome because I ate out 3 meals a day for 6 days (my dream). I need to take a few days to compile my thoughts/experiences to make sure I honor San Fran food the way I should.

To tide you over... I tried Highland Kitchen with some friends a couple weeks ago, and finally have the time to tell you all about it! I think making plans to go out to dinner on Friday night, might excite me more than anything in the world. ESPECIALLY if its a well known hot spot. Well, lemme tell ya- I looked at this menu every single day that week leading up to this Friday night meal. I prepared myself all day, eating light, and drinking a lot of water to expand my stomach. I knew this was going to be an all out dining experience with apps, entrees and dessert.

This place doesn't take reservations and is known to have a line out the door. Its a good size place with a full bar, and about 20 tables. The menu is what I call "escalated comfort food" with a Southern twist. The wait was about 45 minutes- in my eyes- totally reasonable for complete and utter deliciousness.

Like I said, this was an all out affair. For apps, we ordered the mac and cheese, house potato chips and onion dip, Ricotta and mozz fritters and empanadas (Fri night special). All were delish, even though the onion dip slightly resembled an undermayo-ed bowl of tunasalad. While the mac and cheese was soo good (how can it not be tho?) The fan fav was the Ricotta and mozz fritters. They came with a sweet chile-honey dipping sauce and were a really unique mix of flavors. This is a must order!!

 

When it came to the meal, because I was in a Southern mood, I went with the pulled pork. A safe choice, I might add, but still a solid choice. Other choices at the table included a spicy Jambalaya, Pappardelle Bolognese and the Highland burger. All got rave reviews! I tried the Bolognese and was really impressed with the use of truffle oil. I don't understand how it makes everything better.

 

Now- we were stuffed, but obviously had to get dessert! The menu just looked too good! We ordered the warm banana bread pudding with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream aka Heaven in a bowl. I'm drooling just thinking about it now.

I am so glad we gave this place a try, I would recommend it to anyone willing to wait for a good meal! Only negative (which I feel like I have to mention because I'm lookin out for you guys) is our server was "questionable"(I'm being generous). Have you ever been to a restaurant that is so popular/busy, the server make you feel like they don't NEED your business?  Well that was our waiter. He was a smug smug man and I did not appreciate it. Annoying thing was, the food was great, and everyone else that worked there was nice! However, sometimes just one person can make you leave a place with a bad taste in your mouth (pun intended).
http://www.highlandkitchen.com/