I’m a little late in blogging this week. That doesn’t mean we didn’t eat well last weekend. Quite the opposite! Two nights of eating out and two good restaurants.
Meeting friends on Friday night, West on Centre in West Roxbury was the perfect midway point. One side of the restaurant is a large open dining space, with a freestanding bar in front of the kitchen which is enclosed in glass so you can see what’s going on. The other side of the restaurant is a busy bar scene! And, Centre Street itself has become a restaurant row.
We settled into a nice corner round table with a banquette and after getting everyone’s attention ordered some apps to start – homemade guacomole, spicy green beans and crispy fried calamari. It’s a tough crowd but no complaints yet – all winners. Excellent breads with a white bean puree were served and then for entrees everyone had something different – a pan sauteed salmon, pan seared skate wing with a cheesy polenta, a salad with grilled chicken, a burger, mussels, homemade fries, every dish a winner. We shared an excellent bottle of Albarino and left room for dessert, which is made on the premises. A chocolate toffee cake with figs as an ingredient, dark chocolate ice cream and chocolate sauce. And a fantastic strawberry shortcake. From our table we could watch the ballet in the kitchen. Six people – six opinions and everyone agreed – we’ll be back. One of the things that made our dinner so pleasurable (beside the company!) was our waitress, Sarah. A quick wit and well versed in the menu and wines. Ask for her when you go!
Sunday night – Chinese at the Wonder Cafe in Watertown. A tiny storefront that seats only 15 people max. Lobster Cantonese style (with minced pork), Chinese broccoli with garlic, Mongolian beef (spicy!) and house fried rice. Enough for four people so guess what was for dinner at our house on Monday night! The owner is a tiny spit of a woman whose recipes are what come from the kitchen. The ingredients are fresh, the recipes are simple and tasteful and I highly recommend it.
Saturday we went to the Brimfield Fair. If you haven’t been you should take a ride and spend the day. A day’s not even enough. Acres and acres of antique dealers selling everything you can imagine. Fine antiques to junk, garden ornaments to vintage clothing and textiles, something for everyone. We were on the hunt for a particular piece but struck out. But, I couldn’t go home empty handed so there’s a new birdhouse hanging in my charm tree and a cute armadillo in my garden. I’m pretty sure that the birdhouse has residents!
Well, what about Saturday night? After the Brimfield Fair and walking about 5 miles, we couldn’t bring ourselves to go out. So we decided to have a picnic at home. Rosti chicken from Whole Foods, a few sides and a nice bottle of wine. After our picnic we settled in to watch Marley. Marley is about the one and only – Bob Marley. If you have any interest in what he was all about and how Reggae evolved, rent or go see this excellent documentary. It’s long – 2 1/2 hours but it’s well worth it.
See you at the bar….
