2024 Head Of Charles Regatta: Day One

 

Our first day at Head Of Charles Regatta is always about the people.  We meet with and talk to as many as we can and this year the weather cooperated beautifully so the crowd was the largest we've ever seen.

The Regatta is the largest single sporting event in all of New England with 12,000 participants from all over the world and ten times that viewing.

And everyone is so upbeat and excited for the races, just a great break from all the bad news and divisive politics.  We'll be covering the event live from the Media Center across our social media outlets with some great stories and interesting people.

Dine Out Boston: Henrietta's Table

We are in the throes of Dine Out Boston.  You know the drill.  Some of the best restaurants in Greater Boston feature three course prix fixe dinners in order to sway the locals to try out the cuisine and hopefully return again or many times more.

Smoked Pastrami Salmon.

For years our go-to during the two week event has been Henrietta's Table at the Charles Hotel in Harvard Square.  This spot was a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement using fresh, local ingredients in an inventive and delicious way.  The plates are all full portions that one would normally get, not the pared down version offered at other places.

Braised Brussells Sprouts.

If that's not enough the menu here for the special rate of $33.00 for dinner is extensive.  Lots of places have two options only.  And they even include a side order with your entree.  Needless to say, we highly recommend it.  You will not be disappointed.

Warm Beet Salad.

Blueberry/Blackberry Pie.

Warm Oatmeal Cake.

Not pictured (it never photographs well) is the absolutely mouth-watering Yankee Pot Roast With Mashed Potatoes.  Total comfort food deliciously made and served with a rich brown gravy.  The Three Mushroom vegetarian entree was also spot-on.

Don't wait too long.  Offers end this week.

Henrietta's Table

One Bennett Street

Harvard Square

Cambridge, MA  02138

Telephone:  617.661.5005

Socials:

@henriettastable

@thebostonfoodie

It's Back!!!

Most will recall the demise of New England staple candy-maker Necco a few years back.  It was just one of those things.  A solid tradition in this area, we had to kiss them a sentimental goodbye after they racked up about 17M in debt with no way out.  The world is changing no matter how many romantic memories of the candy factory that began in Cambridge we had.

Yet, there is a silver lining.  The Sky Bar, perhaps their most popular item in their inventory was kept on life support and is now back and better than ever.  It's like returning from a vacation all tanned, rested and relaxed.  

Apparently this was the ardent favorite so an enterprising foodie approached Necco to buy the rights for this sole candy.  Why they passed on the Necco Wafers I don't know but it makes me love them even more.  The result: Sky Bar is back and, like I said, never tasted so good.  Made right here in Massachusetts.  Enjoy.

Head Of The Charles Regatta 2019

Paul Cho and Yejin Song.

It was crystal clear, beautiful autumnal weather for the first day of the Head Of The Charles Regatta 2019, the largest rowing event of the year and a grand tradition in Cambridge.  We mixed and mingled with a truly international crowd and lots of friends attending at the Cambridge Boat Club and in the Directors Tent, a comfy front row seat for all of the festivities.  

It's not over yet, though.  The 55th annual HOCR continues tomorrow, predicted to be another spectacular day.  Don't miss this.  It's like going to the Olympics right here in Boston.  If you can't make it, enjoy the pics!

Evan Zarba and Martha, Betsy, Mary and Julie Sampson.

With Beverly Bourell.

We attended this event as members of the press/media.

Brunch At Friendly Toast

Breakfast Quesadilla at The Friendly Toast, Cambridge.

Brunch.  Where to go?  What to get?  How long is the wait?  We get asked these questions all the time.  Well, one of the places we often revisit is The Friendly Toast.  The main reason for that is the plethora of menu items, some of which will always be new, the always great service and the consistency of the quality.

The Tiki Flight.

We love the flight drink specials, allowing friends to share a sip of each of the exotic drinks.  I can guarantee that you will love each taste of these Tiki drinks and want to go for the full thing the next time you visit.

The Monte Christo Sandwich.

This time around we tried the Monte Christo Sandwich, basically thick slabs of French toast filled with ham, eggs and cheese.  Sweet and savory, this is a classic southern dish which they have adapted well by adding in an excellent condiment:  Strawberry Jalapeno Jam.

The Barbacoa Benny.

The Eggs Benedict menu is rife with several options including this Barbacoa Benny pictured above.  A fresh biscuit is layered with braised beef, two perfectly runny poached eggs, hollandaise and barbecue sauces and then topped with crispy onion straws.  Some might call this the perfect hangover meal.  We call it rich and satisfying.

The colorful Margherita Flight at Friendly Toast.

While there we also sampled the Chicken And Waffles.  Sweet potatoes, bacon and fried thighs are all included and quite the standout plate.

Strawberry Waffles.

The Strawberry Waffles ( a special limited time only item on the menu) is divine inspiration.  It's not only fresh strawberries, waffles, whipped cream, ice cream but also, are you ready, strawberry cheesecake!  We have no question that it will be making it on to the permanent menu soon.

The Friendly Toast

1 Kendall Square

Cambridge, MA  02139

Telephone:  617.621.1200

Socials:

@thebostonfoodie

@theboysoftbf

@_thefriendlytoast

@_friendlytoast

We were invited to this restaurant as members of the press/media with no promise of any editorial consideration.  We call 'em and we see 'em.

It's National Waffle Day On Saturday

It's National Waffle Day on Saturday, August 24, 2019.  What are you going to do about that?  We'd suggest that you head to Friendly Toast, our current favorite brunch spot, for these cheesecake-filled, vanilla ice cream dolloped, fresh strawberry piled, whipped cream crowned and confectioners sugar dusted masterpiece.

Although it's just on the specials menu for now we are told that it's in serious contention to be added to the regular menu.  It's a perfect excuse, with perfect weather predicted, for a brunch date.  So don't miss out, on the menu or the chance to ask her or him out.

Friendly Toast
One Kendall Square
Cambridge, MA  02139
Telephone:  617.621.1200
And many other locations

Socials:  @thebostonfoodie
                 @theboysoftbf
                 @_thefriendlytoast

We were invited to taste this waffle masterpiece as members of the press/media with no promise of any editorial consideration.

Lunch At Mamaleh's

It was my birthday week and friends kept asking me:  "Where does one take a food writer for dinner?"  Well, there was really only one thing I had been craving for months and that was good, old-fashioned deli food.

Mamaleh's in Cambridge did not disappoint.  There was not one iota of fat on that extra lean pastrami sandwich, mine served on a super fresh challah roll with a thick slice of Swiss cheese, mustard on the side and a beautifully brined pickle.

For sides, I went with the potato salad, a classic with chopped egg that reminded me of my many satisfying lunches at Lieb's Deli in Belmont and then Langley Deli in Newton Centre, both long-closed (and us still mourning) now.  Quality all the way.  My dining companion had the cole slaw, also excellent and what, of course, is the best accompaniment than a root beer float?  Absolute heaven.

To be honest, I wasn't sure how this was going to go.  I've had some incredible deli food over the years and it would be hard to hit that mark.  It did, however, exceed all my expectations.  Yes, it's not cheap (almost $70 for lunch) but as I have always said - you get what you pay for.  We'll be back.  And again.  And again.

Mamaleh's
1 Kendall Square
Cambridge, MA  02139
Telephone:  617.958.DELI

Socials:
@thebostonfoodie
@mamalehs

Cooking For A Cause 2019

What is the difference between March and April in Boston?  We survive March in anticipation of the thriving social calendar that blooms in April. 

April just seems to bring ten times the options for social events featuring great food, drinks and music.  On April 12th we'll be at one of our annual favorites:  Cooking For A Cause to benefit East End House.  It's loads of fun every year with tastes and sips from the finest restaurants and food establishments in Cambridge, a stunning view of the Charles from the Royal Sonesta and an even more stunning crowd.  All in support of a great cause.  Happy Spring, everyone.

Check out the stellar culinary lineup and get your tickets for Cooking For A Cause 2019 here.  We'll see you there!

Friendly Toast Brunch

Pumpkin Pancakes at The Friendly Toast.

 

Part of the holiday season for us always includes at least one brunch out with friends or maybe as a stop between shopping excursions and/or city walks.  When in Cambridge we'd suggest The Friendly Toast, although they do have multiple locations now.

 



A Flight Of Mimosas.  Cute, clever and delicious.

 

The menu at The Friendly may seem overwhelming at first.  Everything is tempting.  After deliberating over which Mimosa to try (there are several options from Apricot Brandy to Elderflower) our server suggested we just try the flight and sample them all.  We'd suggest you do the same.

 



Breakfast Eggrolls.

A newer menu item, as are the Pumpkin Pancakes, we just knew we HAD to try these.  It's just such a great idea to put some typical breakfast foods in or on a roll and then make it not typical.  These egg rolls are stuffed with, well, eggs, scrambled, of course, corned beef hash, Swiss cheese and then the unusual kimchi slaw.  And it all works beautifully.

 





Salmon Ramen

 

Ramen for breakfast is not a bad thing.  Neither is salmon.  Ever.  So we went with that.  A steamy bowl of fresh ramen noodles in red curry broth, with Gochujang glazed Coho salmon, an over easy egg, kimchi slaw, scallions & mango-habanero sauce.  Not your Grandma's breakfast food but a luxurious one.

 



 

Avos To Apples at The Friendly Toast

 

Another unusual mix the Avos To Apples:  A slice of Anadama toast (an old New England bread recipe made with corn and molasses and totally satisfying) loaded with avocado, roasted caramelized apples, blue cheese crumbles, spicy pecans & a hint of cinnamon. Served with root vegetable hash & a sunny egg. And, again, satisfying, terrific breakfast fare or hangover cure, take your pick.

 



Of course you'll most likely be spending more than one day out shopping and strolling in  and around the city this holiday season and The Friendly offers so much on the menu you could visit every weekend without coming anywhere near exhausting the menu possibilities.  It's just the perfect way to brunch at any time of year.

The Friendly Toast
1 Kendall Square B3101
Cambridge, MA 02139
Telephone:  617.621.1200

Socials:
@_TheFriendlyToast (ig)
@_FriendlyToast
@TheBostonFoodie
#FriendlyToast
#TheBostonFoodie

 

We were invited to this brunch as members of the media with no promise of any editorial consideration.

Local Craft Spirits Festival

Willie's Superbrew featured Sparkling Pomegranate and Ginger Lemon brews.

 



The Sustainable Business Network of Massachusetts recently hosted a festival featuring many of the local spirits and brews throughout New England and we were pleasantly surprised that there is so much going on in this community. Willie's Superbrew was a new one for us.  Light, slightly fizzy and refreshing this went down as more of a soda rather than a beer and would be ideal for a hot summer's day.

Havoc Mead of Vermont was pouring Root Of All Evil, Psychopomp and Hop Swarm Meads.

 

One of our favorite sips of the night were the meads from Havoc Mead.  This is not the mulled wine that brings to mind goblets held by princes in medieval castles.  The flavors were very light and went down smooth.  Mead is one of the up and coming new brews that cannot be quite classified as a beer or a wine.

 



There was also a mixology competition featuring some of the products offered for sampling.

The Mexican Street corn was not bad either although our only lament of the night was the event needed more food.  After a few samples of hard liquor there were lots of college lads stumbling around but all in all a fun, informative night.

Socials:
@SBNMass
@williessuperbrew
@havocmead
@TheBostonFoodie