Brunch at Abe & Louie's

           I've always enjoyed dinner at Abe & Louie's, but until recently had never tried the brunch menu. I went in this past weekend, and it may be my new favorite brunch spot in Boston!

          We were served warm, fresh rolls dusted with cinnamon almost as soon as we were seated. The fiance had to send them away before he ate the entire basket, so he would have room for brunch!

          I ordered the trio of eggs benedict, modified slightly to be gluten free. The three preparations included a sirloin steak with truffle hollandaise, lobster, and lump crab (usually a crab cake). I enjoyed all three, but the lobster was definitely my favorite. It was a generous portion served warm, with plenty of sweet claw meat.

          I always order a side of bacon with brunch, and I love bacon but it's normally pretty standard. This was some of the best bacon I've ever had: a huge portion with perfectly crisp edges and a great smoky flavor.

           The fiance enjoyed his traditional eggs benedict and a side of blueberry pancakes.

 

          I can't believe it took me this long to try Abe & Louie's for brunch, but now that I have it will definitely be a regular spot!

Real Italian Gusto

          Real Italian Gusto is an Italian restaurant in Medford, and one of a handful of restaurants in Boston to feature a Valoriani pizza oven. These wood fired ovens are imported from Italy, and are able to cook an authentic Neopolitan style pizza in minutes. The pizzas are lighter than and have fewer calories than most. 

       
          I was recently invited to an influencer event where we were able to sample a large portion of the menu. We enjoyed some mimosas and bellinis with a beautiful spread of meats and cheeses.

       
          The menu included several pizza and pasta dishes, as well as traditional Italian entrees. I tried the Italian sausage with polenta and tomato sauce; it was a generous portion with perfectly creamy polenta and light fresh sauce.

          Overall it was a fun night, and I enjoyed my meal and the opportunity to explore a neighborhood I rarely visit. Thanks to Real Italian Gusto for hosting.

Sheherazad Food Truck

          Sheherazad is a food truck that serves authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, including wraps, salads, and plates all meant to feel like a traditional Iraqi lunch. I tried the Dijaj Ahmer  (Iraqi red chicken) a dish made with roasted spiced chicken, cooked in thick tomato sauce and served over white rice. I was impressed by the quality and fresh flavors; and this dish was filling without being too heavy.

          I've heard this truck is hard to catch, but they're in Watertown every Wednesday so definitely check them out if you're in the area!

Pabu

          If you follow this blog, you may know about my Michelin obsession and can understand my excitement when I heard that Chef Michael Mina was coming to Boston. I was even more excited when I heard it was a sushi restaurant, and waited for almost a year in anticipation. I was thrilled to receive an invite to the opening party, and it was everything I hoped it would be!

          The space in the new Millennium Tower was beautiful with a large bar area and tons of open space. We headed straight back to the sushi bar and sampled several rolls including the spicy roll, Ken's roll (a house specialty avocado, and spicy tuna), and rainbow roll. They were all done very well; the incredibly fresh fish elevated the simple, classic dishes.



          One of the signature apps was on display, and I might have gone back for 4-5 of these: The Happy Spoon Oyster topped with uni, tobiko, ponzu, and creme fraiche. Each spoon was a bite of pure decadence.

           We enjoyed several passed hors d'oeuvres including the edamame, crispy shishito peppers, and teriyaki skewers.

           My favorite part of the night was when they brought out this massive tuna and filleted it in the dining room; it was definitely freshest toro I've ever had!

          I'm so excited to check out Pabu for dinner on my birthday in just a few weeks; made my reservation already!