Lord Hobo

          Lord Hobo is a gastro pub in Inman Square with one of the most extensive beer menus in the city, and creative comfort style dishes. I hadn't been in a few years, but headed in for dinner with the fiance recently after finding a great Gilt City deal. 

           I started with the pork belly special, which was seared perfectly and served with cipollini onions and a vegetable puree.

          

          The fiance enjoyed his croquettes of fried goat cheese with grapefruit marmalade.

          I ordered the roasted chicken for my main course, which was served with very crisp skin - exactly how I like it!

          I loved the chicken, but was a little jealous of the fiance's braised short ribs and may have to try those next time I go!

          Lord Hobo is a great spot to go for a drink or have dinner; the place is always packed so I suggest going early so you won't have to wait!

The Barking Crab 2017 Opening Party

          The Barking Crab is a quintessential Boston restaurant, located right on the water in the seaport district. It has the feel of a seafood shack with long wooden benches and a tent covering the outdoor seating area, but the fun atmosphere in the bar also makes it a great spot to go out with friends for a drink. I went in for dinner last summer, and was excited to attend the opening party this year to kick off the season!

           We started with one of the signature cocktails, the red tide made with vodka, elderflower, and grapefruit. It was light and refreshing, and perfect for summer!

           There was a raw bar set up with tons of fresh oysters  and jumbo shrimp. I definitely made a few stops to load up on both!

           There were also plenty of passed hors d' oeuvres like these tomato and mozzarella skewers and amazing mini lobster rolls that went so fast I wasn't able to snap a pic!

           In addition to the raw bar, The Barking Crab is also known for the fried clams, classic New England clam chowder, steamed lobsters, and hot and cold lobster rolls. I definitely plan to make it back in for dinner before the summer is over!

Spring Forage Dinner at Harvest

           Harvest is one of my favorite restaurants in Boston (Cambridge) and over the past few years I've had the opportunity to check out several of their events including the most recent Spring Forage Dinner co-hosted by Chef Tyler Kinnett and Chef Kevin Fink, owner of Emmer & Rye in Austin, TX. The chefs teamed up with three local foragers (Marcus Ramsden, Tyler Akabane of Mushrooms for My Friends, and Ben Maleson of Wild Mushrooms) to source ingredients for this amazing six-course dinner. 

           We started with some passed hors d'oeuvres and drinks on the patio before heading inside to the private dining room.

           The first course was a crudo of Local New England Scallop with foraged herbs. This was a simple preparation, and the light, fresh flavors were perfect for crudo - they highlighted but did not over power the delicate scallop.

          Next was the foraged mushroom boudin blanc with sausage, smoked parsnip, mushroom, and hen broth.This was one of my favorite courses, I loved the contrast paired with the creamy parsnip.

          Next was this creamy goat cheese with asparagus and house made granola; it was an interesting mix of light and earthy flavors and textures that all came together for a unique and tasty dish!

           Next was lobster risotto with sea beans; the risotto was rich and creamy and it was loaded with tons of fresh lobster.

           The final savory course was served family style and included lamb prepared several ways, potatoes, and carrots. I loved the braised shoulder, which was seared perfectly and incredibly tender and flavorful.

          Dessert was a chocolate tart with dandelion root ice cream. I really enjoyed trying the ice cream; I've never had dandelion root before and this almost tasted like coffee!

          The meal at Harvest was incredible as always, and I hope to take a trip to Austin sometime soon to try Emmer & Rye!

Boston Organics

          Boston Organics is an organic produce and delivery service that provides access to fresh, organic produce and healthy food in a sustainable way. They got started in Charlestown since 2002 and have been serving the greater Boston area since then. I recently had the opportunity to check them out via a sample vegetable box, and based on my experience I would highly recommend the service!

There are several options available on their website, including different sizes and either all vegetables or a mix of fruit and vegetables. You can also add on groceries like bread, dairy, and other specialty items like this amazing maple pecan chocolate!

          I tried the all vegetable box, which I ordered just a few days in advance, and it arrived in this green crate that can be left out for them to pick up the following week. There was a sheet taped to the side of the crate listing all of the ingredients, and their website featured several recipes using ingredients from that week's box.

          I used the purple carrots to try this Moroccan Raw Carrot Slaw, which was quick and easy to make and tasted great!

           I also used the tomatoes, basil, and and onion to make this bolognese sauce along with some sausage and ground veal I had in the freezer from my winter meat share (served over gluten free spaghetti)!

           A standard box is enough for 2-3 people for the week and costs $32; for the quality and convenience of having it delivered I think it's well worth it and would definitely order again. 

       Now for the best part: My readers get 10% off their first delivery, just enter "URBAN10" at checkout when you order here.

          

Community Servings LifeSavor Gala

          It's almost summer which means it's the season for food and wine events in Boston! The most recent even I attended was a charity gala, The LifeSavor event hosted by Community Servings. Community Servings is an organization that prepares and delivers healthy meals to people who are homebound, critically ill, and their families. The LifeSavor gala is their biggest fundraising event of the year and this year's event was held at the The Langham hotel.

          The evening started with a cocktail party including bites from the Langham and creative cocktails from some of Boston's best mixologists. There was also a silent auction and balloon pop raffle with some amazing prizes.

 

           Although I only ended the cocktail party, guests had the option to purchase tickets that also included a multi course dinner with wine pairings at one of 75 participating Boston restaurants.


          The event was a lot of fun and a perfect way to support a great cause. I would definitely recommend checking it out next year!