I never seem to know where I want to go or what I want to do for New Year's Eve. Sometimes I'll make a nice dinner for two, sometimes I'll go out on the town or out to dinner, and sometimes I'll have a small group of close friends over. I think the decision always occurs right after Christmas; I can never seem to plan ahead for this occasion.
This year though, I've been receiving press releases regularly for dinners happening in and around Boston on New Year's Eve. I weeded through them and did some research of my own and thought I'd share the dinners that I would choose to go to. I will note that I've tried to share the more affordable options with you. You can certainly find dinners for $100+ at many locations around Boston... if that's what you're looking for.
I hope my list will help you narrow down your dinner options! You've only got two weeks left!
Bergamot
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the Boston area. The food is delicious and seasonal, the desserts are unique and incredible, and it doesn't hurt that I live within walking distance. Sometimes the service lags a little, but the overall atmosphere and fabulous desserts make up for that. There's also a great wine list, and last time I went, my waiter was nice enough to let me sample a few different choices when I couldn't make up my mind.
Bergamot has two dinner options for New Year's Eve. The five-course menu is available from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm and costs $75. The seven-course menu is available from 8:00 pm to 10:30 pm and costs $95. I believe the fifth and sixth courses are the two not included in the five-course menu. I know the seventh course would be my favorite! Bergamot is located at 118 Beacon Street, Somerville, Mass.
The Menu
First Course
Nantucket Bay Scallops
Fennel, Beets, Farro, Blood Orange Vinaigrette
Second Course
Sole Goujonette
Hoppin John, Tomato Fondue-Speckled Hollandaise
Third Course
Pan-Seared Scottish Salmon
Cauliflower, Almonds, Kumquats, Fennel Pollen, Champagne Buerre Blanc
Fourth Course
Kabocha Squash Ravioli
Apple, Chanterelle Mushrooms, Kale, Miso-Vegetable Broth
Fifth Course
Grilled Quail
Chorizo, Cabbage, Chick Peas-Manchego Puree, Natural Jus
Sixth Course
Roasted Beef Tenderloin
Spinach, Diced King Oyster Mushrooms, Creole Shrimp Gravy
Seventh Course
Warm Chocolate Cake
Maraschino Cherries, Palm Sugar Ice Cream
Eastern Standard
Eastern Standard has been on my list for a very long time, but I always seem to want to go when there's a home Red Sox game, and I can't convince Jeff to go into the Fenway area at that time. So I have not personally been there, but I've heard so many great things about the restaurant that I still feel confident recommending it. Update: I had lunch here recently and loved it. The food and service were both incredible. Hoping to get a post up about it soon.
On New Year's Eve you can celebrate with ES' regular menu or take advantage of a la carte seafood options like King crab legs, sea scallop ceviche, and tuna tartare. If a la carte is not your thing, you can try the $60 “Shellfish Platter for the Next Decade.” By-the-glass champagne options, ranging from $8-$17, will be available, and deals on ES' extensive bottle selection will abound as well. Eastern Standard is locatied at 528 Commonwealth Avenue in Kenmore Square in Boston.
Foundry on Elm
I attended a grand opening party at Foundry on Elm and have been talking about getting back there for dinner ever since. On New Year's Eve, Executive Chef Sam Putnam will plate a four-course, prix-fixe menu with two seatings at 7 pm and 9 pm for $45 including a champagne toast at midnight. Following dinner at 10:30 pm, the evening continues with bubbles, spirits, and dancing for a $15 cover charge. Foundry on Elm is located at 255 Elm Street in Somerville, Mass.
The Menu
First Course
Jonah Crab Trio
Crab Spring Roll, Crab Cake, Crab Bisque
Confit Kurobuta Pork Cheeks
Candied Kumquats, Jerusalem Artichokes, Gingered Cider Gastrique
Caramelized Onion, Goat cheese, and Salsify Tart
Cranberry-endive Salad
Second Course
Roasted Beet Salad
Mizuna, Gorgonzola, Hazelnuts, Cabernet Vinaigrette
Curried Winter Squash Soup
Crème Fraiche, Pickled Shiitakes
Third Course
Nantucket Bay Scallop Risotto
Poached Pears, Fennel, Radicchio
Long Island Duck Breast
Italian Chestnuts, Pomegranate, Forbidden Rice, Tatsoi
Grilled Ribeye
20 Year Port Demi-Glace, Stilton, Cippolini Onions, Potato Croquettes
Stuffed Pork Loin
Medjool Date & Persimmon Stuffing, Grilled Acorn Squash, Garlic Whipped Potatoes
Mushroom Strudel
Leek, Mushroom & Swiss Chard Strudel, Gruyere, Porcini Cream
Dessert
Flourless Valhrona Chocolate Torte
Barbancourt Rum Anglaise
Eggnog Crème Brulee
Brown Butter Shortbread
Blood Orange Terrine
Ginger Tuile
Pineapple Mango Upside-Down Cake
Crème Chantilly
Russell House Tavern
Every time I'm at Russell House sipping on my perfectly made St.-Germain cocktail, I find myself eyeing the food the waitstaff carries by. It all looks and smells delicious, so in spite of not having tasted it myself, I again feel confident in recommending that you dine here. Executive Chef Michael Scelfo will be preparing a three-course New Year’s Eve dinner ($59/person; reservations accepted 5 pm to 10 pm). Afterwards, stick around for a two-floor party until 2 am that includes free party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. Russell House Tavern is located at 14 JFK Street in Harvard Square in Cambridge, Mass.
The Menu
First Courses
Silken Parsnip Puree
Black Truffle and Salt Cod
Warm Smoked Duck Breast Salad
Potato Aioli, Dried Fig Mustard, Walnut Toast
Lamb Cassoulet
Merguez Sausage, Slow Braised Lamb Shoulder, Hickory Smoked Lamb Belly, Slow Cooked White Beans and Tomato
Foie Gras and Laphroaig Terrine
Black Pepper, Cherry Gelee, Smoked Almonds
Main Courses
Duet of Beef
Grilled Petit NY Strip & Braised Wagyu Beef Cheek
Porcini Butter, Cauliflower/Apple Puree, Horseradish Panade
Seared Wild Carolina Wreckfish Fillet
Brussels Sprouts & Bacon, Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes
Confit Saddle of Venison
Blackberry Jam, Molasses Glazed Turnips, Spicy Kettle Braised Greens
Warm House-Made Ricotta Crespelle
Artichoke and Roasted Tomato Stew, Petite Nicoise Salad
Desserts
Chocolate Hazelnut Torte
Creme Anglaise, Dark Chocolate Mousse, Toasted Hazelnuts
Orange Creamsicle Parfait
Vanilla and Orange Mousse, Creamy Caramel, Candied Orange
Ten Tables
Ever since I went to Ten Tables in Cambridge for Mystery Meet No. 1, I have wanted to go back again. I had the most incredible dinner that evening, which ended with chocolate terrine and basil ice cream -- the same dessert I tried to recreate for my last birthday. I imagine that New Year's Eve dinner will be just as tasty as my dinner there a few months ago.
Ten Tables uses tons of local ingredients, which is part of what makes the food taste so good. I highly recommend the pork, as the pork I had there is tied with Garden at the Cellar for best pork dish I've ever had. It came perfectly cooked and was incredibly moist. Dessert is a no-brainer: Get the chocolate terrine! The three-course New Year's Eve dinner runs $75 per person. Ten Tables is located at 5 Craigie Circle in Cambridge, Mass.
The Menu
Appetizer
Baby Red Oak Leaf with Crunchy Local Goat Cheese, Dried Apricots, Hazelnut & Banyuls Vinaigrette
Wellfleet Oyster Stew with Nicola Potatoes, Native Leeks & Vermouth Cream
Ten Tables Hand-cut Spaghetti with Pheasant Ragout, Sage & Winter Black Truffle
Rhode Island Fluke “Ceviche” with Winter Citrus, Pousse Pied & Shaved Watermelon Radish
Main
Winter Vegetable Pot Pie with Chanterelles, Bolero Carrots, Baby Brussels Sprouts & Hazelnut Pommes Puree
Pan Roasted Atlantic Swordfish with Farro, Roasted Native Beets & Meyer Lemon-Picholene Olive Salsa
Pork Duo: Tenderloin & Housemade Boudin Blanc with Apple Puree, Red Cabbage Aigre-Doux & Mustard Jus
All Natural Meyer Rib Eye “Rossini” with Handcut Truffle Frites, Hudson Valley Foie Gras Butter & Watercress Salad
Dessert
Chocolate Terrine with Thai Basil Ice Cream & Crumbled Peanut Brittle
Meyer Lemon Pot de Crème with Rosemary Shortbread Cookies
Banana-Hazelnut Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce & Chai Ice Cream
Artisanal Cheese Plate
Have you made your New Year's Eve plans yet? Where are you heading? Do you seek out dancing and merrymaking? Do you prefer an elegant meal? Or would you rather curl up on the couch?
37 comments:
I have yet to figure out where to go either! I think my friends and I are just going to have a party. If you want to come to NYC....:P
I've had some great NYE plans. Last year we had sushi take-out with friends and then went to a party at Sonsie. The year before, Bret and I did a really awesome dinner at Aquitaine and then went to a house party. This year, we are staying in with good friends, cooking and laying low. Great blog post!
Unless I'm doing dinner with a group, I like to cook dinner on NYE. But those desserts at Ten Tables are pretty tempting, especially the Banana-Hazelnut Bread Pudding with Caramel Sauce & Chai Ice Cream
The Ten Tables menu looks fabulous! I have no idea what I'm doing. Probably watching Kathy Griffin and Anderson Cooper on tv.
I am always so torn about NYE too! This list is really helpful... I've had some great and not-so-great meals on the occasion. This year we are going all out and heading to a bar with friends. As tempting as staying in is, we figured it might be one of the last years that we are motivated to have a late night :)
ooh, now i'm hungry :) i'm heading to a friend's for new years, but hopefully i'll get to prepare some eats!
Fun post with some great ideas! I have started to love just staying in on NYE and going somewhere fun for New Year's Day brunch!
I'll be in NY for NYE this year (fun but ridiculously hectic) but i'm going to send this my friends who haven't made plans yet. very informative.
Foundry's food is sub par- and two out of five of your recommendations are for restaurants that you haven't eaten at?
Hi partyoffive - If you'd read my whole post, you'd have seen that my recommendations are the places I would choose to go. I'm not about to lie to my readers and pretend I've been somewhere I haven't, but I do want to suggest they head to the same places I'd head to. And I disagree with you about Foundry. Have you had the squash soup?
I never know what to do on New Years!! All my friends and I used to do the whole bar/club thing but I think we got over that since you're essentially paying $40 to go to a bar with a normal $5 cover for the same atmosphere + party hat haha. I'm liking the idea of a nice dinner....thanks for the ideas!
I still have no idea what we're doing for NYE. It was a big deal for me growing up so I feel like it has to be this big event. We've hosted a party the past few years but this year a lot of people seem to be away. I'm guessing it will end up being a low key get-together this year. Those dinners sounds cool (and I want to try every one of those places!) but I feel like it would be strange to eat dinner out as if it's just another night. Maybe I'm weird ;)
The last few years Rafe and I have stayed in. This year he got UConn Basketball tickets! So I think we'll go to the game and then have some dessert afterward!
I read your whole post (one that wasn’t about your personal life!)- but it still doesn't explain why you chose restaurants you haven't eaten at? I smell kickbacks...
And yes, you may have been at Foundry's opening (which obviously is rarely indicative of a restaurants quality baseline) as was I, but I have also been back several times since. At least post informed recommendations like most of us do…
Dear partyoffive, a misunderstanding is one thing, but a direct attack on my integrity and ethics is uncalled for. If you were a long-time reader of this blog, you would know that I always tell my readers when I've received a product or attended an event for free. I am not receiving any sort of compensation or "kickbacks" (as you say) from this post. I simply suggested the places I would go to if I were going out to dinner on New Year's Eve in the Boston area. That said, you don't have to like what I say (and you can have a different opinion). No one is forcing you to read my blog. I would, however, like to read your blog, so if you could include a link in your next comment or email me a link to your blog, I would truly appreciate that. (And next time we're at an event together, please do introduce yourself.)
Also, your rude comment inspired me to have lunch at Eastern Standard today while I was shopping in the Fenway area, and guess what? It was as good as I've heard, and I stand behind my recommendation -- because obviously it was an informed recommendation.
and that's exactly what I was aiming for- an incentive to post actual information as opposed to (advertisements), speculation. Of course it is up to me whose blogs I read- that's the beauty of free speech. Diary posts should be kept to your diary. In order to be a legitimate food blogger- you have to be able to back it up. Don't worry about who I am- just worry about the integrity of what you post. There's a difference between free and real speech- and those of us who are real foodies, know that and do not confuse personal posting with "reviews". Stay tuned for my review of "foodie" blogs, coming to a very well known source soon...
Partoffive - I'm curious as to who you are so I can respond to you directly instead of back and forth in the comments. I'm sorry you don't have the courage to come out from behind your anonymity. You are incredibly wrong. A blog is a personal space. I'm quite tired of repeating myself. I believe any "review" you write of foodie blogs is going to be incorrect, and I can't wait to see the response from "real" foodies to it.
Blogging is all about having fun and writing about what you'd like. I enjoy reading about people's take on restaurants, recipes, and experiences. If I wanted cold, impersonal reports on recipes and restaurants, I would check out the BIG sites where all the info is anonymous. Blogging is a personal thing - and it belongs to the author. If you are offended, then don't bother reading and insulting people. It's about having fun - not trying to be a "real foodie". Keep up the great work Meghan, I look forward to reading more of your delicious baking adventures and unsolicited opinions. :)
Wow, I really can't believe this. As a longtime reader (and friend) of Megan's I know how seriously she takes her responsibility to her readers. She always is upfront about anything that she has received for free. Like most bloggers who do this as a hobby, she probably puts more time and $ into her blog than she receives in 'freebies'. I appreciate that in this post she was honest about which restaurants she had been to. Some restaurants, like Eastern Standard are very familiar to Boston locals, so although she had not (until recently) dined there, the information the menu information she provided was amazingly useful.
Keep on and stay strong Megan. This person is clearly a coward to stay in the shadows.
I am sure partyoffive is just far too important to reveal his or her name. Perhaps a NYT food writer or famous cookbook author? ;) Or more likely just a troll with too much time on his/her hands and some personal issues that you won't be able to solve.
You know that I, and so many others, including some well known Boston foodies love your blog, your recipes, your writing style, and your warm, fun personality. I would just ignore this person. When people have nothing to contribute, they like to start fights to give themselves attention.
Boston has a lovely food blogging community. I'm puzzled as to why a "real foodie" wouldn't embrace the idea of people sharing ideas through a common love of food. While constructive criticism is always welcome on any blog, blatant attacks on an author with unfounded accusations comes from someone who is filled with a lot of hate, negative energy and quite simply, too much time on their hands.
Megan, as both a long-time reader of your blog and as someone who knows you in person, I know how strong your integrity is as both a food blogger and as an individual. Please do not let negative comments from an anonymous source discourage you from continuing to write.
Megan, I've never read your blog before, and I don't live in your area, but I came here from twitter.
I'm sorry that another blogger (maybe they are, maybe they aren't) would find the need to attack you and your credibility.
Food blogs should, in a perfect world, live by a code of ethics, and I don't think you were unethical. You made it clear that this was a wish list. A consumer has to take the responsibility to further research a recommendation. Even a professional restaurant reviewer can get it wrong.
There is a marked difference between a food blogger and a professional reviewer. A blogger is a part of a bigger voice and the sum of the parts is the power, not the individual. I sat in a focus group recently with Food Buzz regarding this very topic.
There is "expert" driven influence and power, and then blogger driven influence and power, by it's numbers. No one blogger is "the" voice or expert, and that is good news. It means that by its very nature, it corrects itself, gives better information and has a strong voice.
It's unique to media and journalism, and as you say, your blogger space is your private space. It's your personal free speech and people are invited to participate as a reader or not.
An expert makes a living reviewing restaurants, is funded to do so, and also gets into their own ruts on what is good and not good. I've been to quite a few restaurants that have gotten rave reviews and they were great disappointments. Food is still subjective and you could have a great experience three times in a row, send a reader there and they might not agree. The power of the blogosphere is "many voice" and not being told by the "expert" this is how we eat, this is what is good, through this one person's eyes.
I probably would not get into a big debate with a critical commenter. I think if they wanted to scold your methods in a professional manner, they would have emailed you privately for the good of the "food world."
The comment about "real" foodies is arrogant and not at all reflective of my experience with hundreds of other bloggers on line and in person, but there is always someone who feels the need to control someone else.
Even, if they made a valid point, (and I don't think they did), they are taking their own worth a bit too seriously, by assuming they stand in the leagues of someone serious and committed. If they are so big and important, then they could have offered to help you, to mentor you, not attempt to disgrace and shame you on your blog.
Rise above it. Leave the comments. And move on to having a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The "anonymous" status of the commenter brings automatic disqualification to their words. Professionals stand on their thoughts, opinions, beliefs and they do it publicly.
Megan,
I don't know you, but please just rise above any troll that comes to your blog. Don't feed them with debate.
This person obviously doesn't know the difference between a blogger and an expert. Bloggers are not experts who tell people what to do. The power of a blogger is being a part of a sweeping source of many numbers. It's a phenomenon that many don't understand.
The way people get their information is different today. They go to many sources to check out a recipe for chocolate cake, and they go to many sources to find out where to eat. The consumer is not turning to an "expert" source, but to expertise that is derived by many sources and fleshed out.
I have a hard time believing this person is a real blogger or professional, and if they are, well, they can enjoy their own readers. I doubt that I would be attracted to this kind of haughty attitude.
They came to your blog to shame you, not help the food industry, and probably for reasons more personal than professional. Perhaps they were burned with a bad review or perhaps they have a need to feel important.
Leave the comments. Move on with making your readers happy, and let that person do whatever they do. Too bad, they hide behind anonymous as they really discredits them.
I'll be back to read your blog.
If this person was a well known blogger as they say, he/she would have no problem posting their opinion with their actual name. Especially if he/she wants us to read this stellar review of "foodie blogs" that he has coming up. I call bullsh*t and think he isn't even worth commenting to or giving attention to. I would take Megan's recomendations over this fools any day of the week.
One more thing. There is no such thing as a "legitimate" food blogger. There is no license, no experience required, no photo experience necessary, no cooking experience necessary, etc. etc.
The beauty of any kind of blogging (political, religious, decorative, whatever) is that all one needs to do is express themselves in the way they choose. If this expression attracts readers and reader participation, it's a dynamic blog. It does not have to be heroic, popular, or guided by anything outside of what the author intends.
I see lots and lots of food blogs that cook food I would not call good food, often processed or photo'd with flash and maybe not even appetizing. More power to them. They are just as much of a food blogger as I am. They are expressing their personal voice. That's blogging. The consumer makes the decision as to which blogs becomes "THE" blogs, getting the traffic. But all are legitimate.
The comment about "diary" is laughable, because all blogs are, indeed, diaries that are meant to be shared with strangers reading them. It's still a new way of communicating.
Gracious people live their lives to make others feel better. Small people make others feel small.
Well Megan, I was going to write about how much I enjoyed the list of restaurant ideas for the next time I am in town, but I see that this post has inspired a heated ping pong match on a tangent. I still think these are good recommendations, and I trust that you are being sincere and honest that these are restaurants that you think are good.
It's really sad that you had to solicit "support" via Twitter. And hilarious that the very people accusing me of having too much time on my hands are reading this blog and taking the time to post.
partoffive - you are a coward! What is your blog link? Please do us all of favor and keep your negativity to yourself and get a life. What's really sad is you have nothing better to do than to bring people down with uneducated and uniformed comments. You clearly have self-esteem issues!
So again, please come out from behind that rock and share your blog you weasel so we can see how "amazing" your OPINIONS are, how well you write, how smart you are, and what makes you better than everyone. I am not a blogger so enlighten me by sharing your blog. If not, go away! Keep hiding behind your keyboard and pick on someone else you clown!
I am always happy to get information and recommendations from everyone, especially a genuine person with an amazing food blog! The awesome thing about reading blogs is that there is MORE than enough of them to fit everyone's personal taste. If you don't like one, don't read it. If you are reading one you don't like, then you have bigger problems to deal with. I, for one, will continue reading Megan's genuine and Delicious Dishings!
Partyoffive...do us all a favor, find your mouse and click "next" if you're not getting what you need from this wonderful, heartfelt, informative, collaborative, supportive blog. Megan is an inspiration to many. We all LOVE to read all about her life, professional AND personal. Surely you can find something else to do with your negativity...leave Megan and all of her loyal readers alone. Constructive criticism is one things, but mean spirited comments are another. Go elsewhere with this garbage...PLEASE! One can only gain support if one asks for it...time to call your shink!
Goodness- look at everyone with their panties up in a bunch! Whose next to comment- your Mommy? You know what they say- if you can't take the heat- perhaps this isn't for you.
Hey Richard - maybe you would like to discuss this over a drink? Face to face. Oh that's right you're a coward. You just want to keep hiding behind your computer insulting people for no reason. I can take the heat - pick on me!
This has been enlightening. To conclude- please remember that my initial posting was a correct observation about uninformed recommendations; such things as undermine all food bloggers credibility. I leave you to your ignorant and/or 'dear diary' posts.
Megan - ignore this asshole. He's obviously a troll - maybe posing under the guise of a "legitimate" food blogger (whatever - there's no such thing - a blog is whatever you want it to be), but is just trying to rile you and your readers up. He's casting aspersion on your ethical commitment to your readers for absolutely no reason - you disclose when you've received free stuff, you were very clear about the places you had and hadn't visited. Your post was totally clear. This guy is just trying to piss you off for reasons I can't quite comprehend. Maybe because he gets some thrill at pissing people off for no reason and acting like an asshole. But let's all just move along now and not give him more attention - he clearly doesn't deserve any.
I have no NYE plans, but definitely love going out to eat to ring in the new year! I appreciate these recommendations and that you took the time to put together a post laying out some great options!
It is unfortunate certain a commenter didn't feel the same and decided in the midst to attack your character, integrity and the spirit of blogging in general. Reading personal stories and touches in blogs are enjoyable and what make them unique! Keep it up!!
I definitely appreciate the recommendations! And all your readers know and trust you - don't let this troll get you down!
In my honest opinion, @partyoffive is an idiot. A blogger can do what he or she wants with their blog. There is no set rule for food bloggers. I've seen so many different types of food blogs that you can't pigeon-hole this type of blogging into one restrictive category. It's Megan's blog, if you don't like it go elsewhere.
Post a Comment