Assembly Row Bar Stars Competition 2018

We headed over to the rooftops at Assembly Row this week for the 2018 edition of the Bar Stars competition featuring bites and, more importantly, sips from some of the best places to eat and drink there.  

The crowd was much larger than we expected, perhaps due to the absolutely perfect weather, the drinks inventive and the food terrific.  The People's Choice winner was America's Fresh Brewhouse and the Judges Award went to The Smoke Shop BBQ.  Those Ribs And Cornbread from Andy Husbands' new outlet were clearly our fave taste of the night.  Overall great food and drink and a very fun event.  It was a perfect way to kick off the big birthday bash weekend.  Congrats to all!

Lucky Strike Social Is Open

 

Lucky Strike Social at Assembly Row is now open with two floors of fun-filled entertainment, dining and cocktails.



We sort of beat the crowd to check the place out at a VIP Preview last week and although I am not always a fan of these entertainment emporiums that offer bowling, video, etc., games I have to admit that it was a very fun few hours well-spent.

I was pretty content at the shooting gallery where I discovered I am somewhat of a marksman.  Guests are fully encouraged to check their politics at the door shall we say.  I could definitely see myself heading back here with the boys from work on a Friday night after a long week.  There is enough going on here to have something for everyone.

Lucky Strike Social
325 Revolution Drive
Somerville, MA  02145
Telephone:  857.997.8000

Socials:
@TheBostonFoodie
@luckystrikeent

We were invited to this event as media guests without promise of any editorial consideration.

Caffe Nero At Assembly Row

We stopped by the ever-growing Assembly Row area as part of our busy holiday shopping and social season.  One (of many) of the spots that caught our eye was Caffé Nero.  



While we typically prefer an indie coffee shop these are becoming more and more rare, much to our lament.  So, yes it's part of a chain of casual cafés with a distinct Italian flare.  We sipped cappuccino and nibbled on crunchy biscotti in the light and airy space.  

All of the typical millenials and hipster types were on hand, sporting the upscale athletic attire likely purchased at one of the clothing outlets a block or two away.  As a matter of fact, we made a few of those purchases ourselves and found some real bargains on quality designs, by far better than one would get at any sporting goods chain.  There is also a new Trader Joe's with a beer and wine section that was fun to peruse. 

So if you have not been or it's been a while since you've visited, Assembly Row is certainly worth a stop.

Caffé Nero
375 Assembly Row
Somerville, MA  02145
Telephone:  617.209.6570

Socials:
@cafenero
@TheBostonFoodie

 All photos ©The Boston Foodie 2017

Paul Bakery

Several years back, on my first trip to London, I found myself out very early in the morning, still getting used to the time difference but also because I love roaming the streets of a new city as it comes to life at sunrise. The rows of white townhouses, stately and large, that lined the streets of this South Kensington neighborhood were just like those I'd seen in the movies.

Eventually I wandered into a small cafe, the scent of fresh pastry baking and coffee brewing drawing me inside. It was the first time I discovered a Paul Bakery and we went back every morning for delicious morning treats. The place was beautifully laid out with a level of quality rarely seen in the USA and everything we tasted was a match to that sophistication.  It was all was as fresh as it could be, served beautifully, elegantly.  I was in love with this place.  When I returned home and began singing the praises of my find other friends who'd traveled abroad joined in.  I learned, unbelievably, that it was a chain of shops that began in France.

So, you cannot imagine how thrilled I was when I learned they were coming here.  And almost in my backyard! With Natick and Assembly Row locations now open and Downtown Boston opening soon, you will have a choice and whichever one you visit will be, I'm sure, the same quality.

The macarons are my favorite and, without question, on par or better than any other in Boston.  For that alone it's worth the trip.

Paul Bakery
Assembly Row
631 Assembly Row
Somerville, MA  02145
Telephone:  617.440.1049

Photo Credits:  Lisa Richov

Tony C's At Assembly Row

It's a sports bar.  It's a very large sports bar with an avalanche of flat screens (90 in all), a large crowd, a theme built around the local sports legend and Boston Red Sox player Tony Conigliaro and fare that is quite better than one would expect at the average sports bar haunt.  The plasma may give the place a slightly Vegas feel but the crowd (and it IS packed) doesn't seem to mind at all. "You should see it on a game day," our waiter, Tim, says. And, from the looks of it all, I am sure that it would be quite the event.

On a very chilly recent night we made the trek to Assembly Row for dinner at Tony C's Sports Bar and Grill for dinner.  It was so packed that there was a wait for seats on a Friday night but, reservations in hand, we were shown to a table near the center of the large room just to the side of the long bar with that tidal wave of electronics looming above us.

The cocktail I chose to begin the evening with was The Im"Pear"sible Dream, a moniker only Red Sox fans of a certain age would fully comprehend.  With Absolut Pear, St. Germain, Lemon, Thyme and Sparkling Wine, it was a light, refreshing sip, not overly sweet and something I would order again.

The Philly Cheese Steak Wontons, crispy fried and served with Sriracha Aioli were the first tastes on plate and a hit.  These were exactly as what you are imagining them to be right now; crab rangoon with a Philly Cheese Steak filling.  Nicely shredded beef and creamy cheese wrapped in a crunchy, golden-fried wonton.

Next up was the New Orleans Shrimp.  With a spicy Creole Sauce and a nice hunk of Grilled Sourdough, this was a mouthful of hearty flavor.  The shrimp was good but that chunk of bread, seemingly griddled in butter and soaking up that sauce, was the best part, satisfying in a way that only delicious carbs can be.

The Clown Shoes Tramp Stamp IPA was calling me.  How could one resist just such a name? I have found the Clown Shoes craft beers to be not only playful but also rewarding beyond the fun names. This Belgian IPA had a lot going on for flavor:  citrus, a subtle taste of clove, malty and interesting, slightly bitter at the end.  I just loved this beer and look forward to trying more of their others.

We were now into the flavorful 6th inning.  I opted for the special of the night:  Pork Loin with Garlic Mash. Crusted with fresh peppercorn for a nice, spicy bite, yet not overwhelming, the meat was tender and moist but seemed to us to be far more of a pork chop than a softer, richer loin.  Still good but not the hit we envisioned.

The Orecciette with Italian Sausage, broccoli, spinach, garlic and Parmesan cheese was, however, a certified home run.  Red pepper flakes added some heat but the sausage was meaty and mild, the pasta perfectly al dente and the overall taste excellent.  The highlight of the night.

Dessert was this beautiful Creme Brulee.  Packed with a rich vanilla flavor, smooth and creamy.  The top could have used a bit more torch, not offering quite the crunch as the perfect brulee might yet, again, still good.

Overall, we were impressed.  It's definitely not a quiet, intimate dinner but a very fun, casual place, a must-see for sports fans, good food, a great drinks program and, with acres of free parking, a nice choice when one doesn't feel like driving into the city.

Tony C's Sports Bar and Grill
699 Assembly Row
Somerville, MA  02145
Telephone:  617.666.8282

Earl's Kitchen At Assembly Row

We were lucky enough to attend the Grand Opening of Earl's Kitchen at Assembly Row in Somerville recently and it was quite the event.  With a sprawling 8,800 square foot layout, large glass windows that open onto outdoor seating and water views and plenty of intimate nooks for dining, it was more than impressive.

There is a lively bar area where you can relax and enjoy a cocktail, grab a bite and enjoy the game with plenty of comfortable seating in the upscale, casual environs.  Other areas provide benches and tables for larger group dining and smaller, more intimate spots meant for couples.  Along one entire wall runs the open kitchen.

All of the food and drinks we enjoyed were excellent, including the seafood, desserts and popular burgers.

There are some impressive cocktail creations including this:  The Mad Hatter.  Poured from a cartoonishly steaming teapot the drink includes Smirnoff Vodka, Pear, Black Tea, Lime Leaf and Coconut Water.  The teapot serves 4 and is $26.00.  Very fun.

Of course, Cameron Bogue, who we met earlier in the summer for a cocktail program preview is helming the beverage program.  Yes, the Bee's Knees and Cabin Fever cocktails are on the menu!

Ideal for a group of friends looking for a place to meet up at a new, popular spot after a long day, there is plenty of free parking in the area.  It has the feel of being in the city that those north of the city have been waiting for.  The whole Assembly Row area is really shaping up nicely.

Earl's Kitchen At Assembly Row
698 Assembly Row
Somerville, MA
Telephone:617.666.1790

Earl's Kitchen Coming To Assembly Row

Earl's Kitchen And Bar is coming to Assembly Row in Somerville in September and Mixologist Cameron Bogue will be helming the drinks program.  We had the chance to meet him and sample some of his most interesting drinks recently and we were, of course, not disappointed.

We met up with Jenny Johnson, co-host of NESN's Dining Playbook and enjoyed a cocktail called "Bee's Knees".

The crafty concoction is served in these cute, little honey jars.  The ingredients?  Simple:

CLASSIC COCKTAIL - BEES KNEES

 A citrusy gin drink sweetened with honey

TECHNIQUE: Shake

GLASSWARE: Honey Bear Jar

GARNISH: Lemon Zest, Wooden Honey Dipper

0.75 fl oz                                                              House Made Honey Syrup

1 fl oz                                                                   Fresh Lemon Juice

0.75 fl oz                                                              Aviation Gin

0.75 fl oz                                                              Cointreau

3 dashes                                                              Angostura Bitters

RECIPE:

1. In a Mixing glass; measure 0.75 fl oz Honey Syrup, 1 fl oz Fresh Lemon Juice, 0.75 fl Aviation Gin, 0.75 Cointreau and 3 dashes Angostura Bitters.

2. Pack Mixing glass full of ice. Top with a stainless steel shaking tin.

3. Shake vigorously 12 times to mix ingredients.

4. Strain over fresh ice into a Honey Bear Jar.

5. Garnish with a Lemon Zest and a Wooden Honey Dipper.

Eric Twardzik, Boston Editor of UrbanDaddy was there.  They are always on the forefront of new openings and happenings.

The place will be a casual upscale design and focus on contemporary American comfort food.  This is Earl's, which operates 65 locations throughout the USA and Canada will make it's first entry into the area at Assembly Row, which is shaping up quite nicely as the area's newest shopping, dining and entertainment destination.