Great Road Kitchen

As we've said before, there's lots of good dining that is fleeing to the suburbs.  With more reasonable rents, plenty of easy, free parking and a liquor license that won't break the bank, fine dining and casual upscale is no longer just a City game.

So, we took the invite to brunch at Great Road Kitchen out in Littleton.  Owned an operated by the same people at Vine Brook Tavern in Lexington which we visited last year, this space has less of a colonial tavern feel, more open, airy and brighter.  

We like an open kitchen and they have one.  You can virtually see all of the food being prepared and readied for service.

They are also quite proud of their local sourcing and post their partners on a chalk board clearly visible for all to see.  They also have an extensive raw bar menu for ordering if you are into that. The one thing, and pretty much only thing, we never do is raw oysters.  Just can't do it as many times as we've tried.

There will always be a Quiche offered on the brunch menu here.  Today it had a somewhat south of the border flavor with grilled corn, cheese and peppers.  The quiche was beautifully light and fluffy with a good crust, not soggy, and served with a fresh arugula salad.

My Salmon Burger was prepared with crispy shitake mushrooms, a flavorful sticky soy sauce and sweet potato tater tots, which were excellent.  I've long been in search of the Salmon Burger that wan't dry and while this was better than many I've had I am starting the believe that such a thing does not exist.  

The Steak 'n Egg with Frites (not pictured) was okay but nothing spectacular.  

The crowd runs the gamut from families to young couples and friends and the service is good.  Perhaps Great Road Kitchen is still finding it's legs or maybe we were spoiled by the creativity and flavors at Vine Brook Tavern.  Time will tell.

Great Road Kitchen
613 Constitution Avenue
Littleton, MA  01460
Telephone:  978.952.7333

Vine Brook Tavern

It has a real, authentic tavern feel.  And why wouldn't it?  If one is dining here one would literally be in the shadow of Lexington Green, the very place where the battle that gives you all the freedoms you now enjoy (well, mostly) began.  We'd never been, so when owner Marcus Palmer invited us for dinner to sample the cuisine of Chef Chris Frotheringham, we were intrigued and then delighted. This is Vine Brook Tavern in Lexington.

After a brief tour of the two level space we started right in on cocktails and appetizers.  This Hummus And Spicy Shrimp is served with a warm Za'atar Flat Bread and Olive Oil.  The pillowy soft bread has a great chew, the shrimp fresh and the hummus of good consistency.  Not a bad start.

The Shaved Cauliflower Salad With Kale, Quinoa, Carrots, Beets, Brussels Sprouts And Ginger Sesame Vinaigrette was a mini boatload (maybe more canoe-shaped) of healthy eating.  A nice, different twist on a serving of a nutrient-packed salad.  It doesn't get more cruciferous than this.

A must-try on the creative cocktail menu is the Ginger Margarita, the house specialty and the drink ordered most.

Steak Tacos On Grilled Corn Tortilla, Salsa Ranchero, Cotija, Black Bean Crema And Lazy Street Corn.  The tacos are also a favorite on the menu and we could have eaten bowls of that corn.    

Dayboat Halibut, Porcini Bacon Risotto with Crab Butter Sauce.  Fresh and substantial with a very nice risotto, this special of the night was a hit.

The New York Sirloin was exactly what one would expect of sturdy, classic tavern fare.  Cooked perfectly and served with a choice of sides.

Sticky Toffee Pudding was reminiscent of colonial times, a square of bread pudding smothered in caramel and plated with a dollop of fresh ice cream.

The scene?  Maybe one level up from the typical eclectic mix one would expect in an affluent locale serving gastropub plates of great quality:  seniors springing for dinner with bright, preppy grandchildren, families with young children dashing in and out for a quick (thankfully) supper, well-dressed couples of all ages and thirty-something singles ensconced at the large, central, first floor bar for the evening. Although we dined early, the cougar and softball team set one sometimes encounters in the suburbs was nowhere to be found.

Perfect for?  Date night.  A nice cocktail and dinner with hassle-free, ample parking.  A special dinner out with the kids while Mom, or Dad, is away on business.  Grandpa and grandson bonding, with adult beverages. Exploring just how good suburban dining can be and showing friends the hidden gems one can find.

Favorite things?  The unique, refined tavern feel with solid food that's inventive yet beyond trendy. The shrimp and hummus and bread.  The no-rush, relaxed yet professional service.  The catch of the day.  Sirloin.

What we'd tell a friend?  Starters about $12, mains about $25,  Absolutely worth checking it out and the chances are quite good you may become a regular.  If so, see you there.

Vine Brook Tavern
20 Waltham Street
Lexington, MA  02421
Telephone:  781.863.2012
Twitter:  @VineBrookTavern