Ocean Prime

          Ocean Prime is a new high end steak and seafood restaurant that opened in the seaport (they have locations in other cities across the US. I was excited to try them for dinner the other night and it was just as good as I hoped. We started with some apps; I had the tuna tartare which was a huge portion, of incredibly fresh tuna over avocado with sesame, soy, and ginger
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          I also tried a bite of my friend's goat cheese ravioli which was also delicious, tossed in a simple butter sauce with some fresh mushrooms. The fiancé enjoyed his wedge salad (not pictured), and said it was one of the best he'd ever had.



           I ordered the eight ounce filet with a side of truffle butter, but after the tuna could only eat a few bites. The steak was perfectly tender and flavorful, and the butter was full of large slices of shaved black truffle.





           The twice baked potato was almost as big as my steak and I also ended up taking most of this to go! Both the steak and potato reheated well for lunch the next day (the addition of the truffle butter made them both even better).

          Overall the experience at Ocean Prime was amazing, and I hope to come back again soon to check out the bar and the sushi menu!

 

Ashmont Grill



          I've been hearing great things about Ashmont Grill for years, and I finally had the chance to check them out for dinner recently. It was a busy Sat night and the fiancé and I managed to walk in and grab some seats at the bar before they completely filled up. We started with an appetizer of the pan seared Brussels sprouts with lomo (like bacon), aged cheddar, butter, and lime. These were delicious, seared perfectly with tons of flavor. The portion was huge and I ended up taking some to go.

          I ordered the fluke for my main course, which was lightly breaded and pan fried with couscous, chestnut mushrooms, and fava bean puree. The mushrooms and fava beans were a perfect pairing; light and fresh and not overpowering the delicate flavor of the fish. 

          The fiancé ordered the ribs, which he also enjoyed (and I enjoyed his leftovers the next day)!

          We ordered dessert despite not being able to finish our entrees, and went with the bartender's recommendation: the sticky toffee pudding, which has been featured on the Food Network. I could definitely see why! This was one of the best I've had, and I can't wait to go back and try some of the other desserts.



          Not only is the food excellent at Ashmont Grill, but the portions are huge and the prices are very reasonable. Everything you'd want in a neighborhood spot!

Dok Bua

         I'm loving the opportunity to try lots of new places via Peach, a delivery service my office has been using for a few months now. Peach works with local restaurants, and gives you three daily choices from the restaurant of the day including meat, vegetarian or light / healthy. You get a text with your options every morning, and just respond yes with your choice for to opt in for they day. Meals are always $10 including tax, tip, and delivery fee, and delivered to a convenient location for your office at lunchtime. 


         Dok Bua, a Thai restaurant in Brookline, was one of the most recent options and I chose the vegetarian dish for the day Pad See Ew with tofu. This came with tons of stir fried greens and tofu, tossed with wide noodles in a flavorful sauce.

         Pad See Ew is one of my favorite Thai dishes, and Dok Bua's did not disappoint. I hope to check them out in person sometime for the full experience!

Lunch at Harvest with Sara Moulton

          I love Harvest in Harvard Square, and was so excited to have the opportunity to attend an event a couple of weeks ago in collaboration with Chef Sara Moulton. Sara is the host of Sara's Late Night Meals, who actually got her start in the kitchen at Harvest many years ago. Sara recently released her new cookbook and hosted a special luncheon at Harvest in celebration of the release. The luncheon featured a meal inspired by Sara's recipes, as well as a cooking demonstration and is just the first in an upcoming luncheon series at Harvest.

          The first item on the menu was a split pea soup topped with salmon. It looked amazing and the other diners raved about it. I had a dairy free alternative, roasted vegetable chili which was delicious and full of fresh flavors. I loved the addition of quinoa and the use of avocado as a garnish!

          Next was Sara's take on steak and eggs, a braised short rib topped with a poached egg and served with broccoli rabe and ciopollini onions. It was the perfect brunch meal, and though it was incredibly rich it didn't feel too heavy.

          Dessert was an apricot soufflé which Sara demonstrated how to cook for us. She made what has always seemed like a complex dish look easy, and like something I may even attempt at home (although I'm sure it won't be as good as Sara's)!

          I can't wait to check out some of the amazing recipes in Sara's cookbook, as well as see who Harvest has lined up for the next luncheon!



Naco Taco

          I've been dying to try Naco Taco in Central Square since they opened, and recently had the chance to order delivery via Peach a new delivery service my office has been using. Peach works with local restaurants, and gives you three daily choices from the restaurant of the day including meat, vegetarian or light / healthy. You get a text with your options every morning, and just respond yes with your choice for to opt in for they day. Meals are always $10 including tax, tip, and delivery fee, and delivered to a convenient location for your office at lunchtime. 

          Naco Taco is on regular rotation at my office, and I was so excited to finally try them the other day. I was glad to see that one of my favorites, tacos al pastor was the meat option and gave this a try.

          The tortillas were homemade and tasted fresh, even though I ordered delivery. The pork was tender and flavorful and served with a side of fresh salsa and lime.

        Naco Taco is one of the better alternative's for tacos in Boston, and I definitely hope to check out the restaurant for the full experience soon!