Boston Brunchers' Birthday Party

The Boston Brunchers group was started by Renee of Eat.Live.Blog one year ago -- and to celebrate, she put together a fabulous brunch at Island Creek Oyster Bar. Forty Boston Brunchers attended the brunch this past Sunday morning. Island Creek Oyster Bar put together a special menu and treated us all to baskets of pastry, cocktails, and brunch entrees. In addition to the generosity of Island Creek Oyster Bar, this brunch had so many other wonderful sponsors, and we all walked in to find enormous bags filled with all sorts of goodies. (See the list at the end of my post for all of the amazing sponsors).

After mingling with fellow brunchers, we all sat down at our tables and broke into the pastry baskets. The great thing about going out with other bloggers is that everyone likes to try everything, so we shared all of the pastries. And I tried a bite of everything except the blueberry muffin. The doughnut muffin was incredibly moist, the cinnamon roll still warm, the croissant flaky, the raspberry coffee cake packed with berries, and the citrus scone light and bright.

We were given a choice of a Bloody Mary, a red beer, or the McCarthy's Crossing. After reading the description, I had to go with the McCarthy's Crossing. It's a concoction of Clear Creek pear brandy, spiced honey, rose vermouth, fresh lemon, and bubbles. I loved the refreshing flavor of this bubbly beverage.

For entrees, we could choose among the house-smoked salmon, cinnamon french toast, house-made baked beans with bacon and a fried egg, or a lobster roll. Everyone around me ordered the lobster roll, which was piled high with lobster tossed with celery and onions and dressed with mayonnaise and creme fraiche.

I opted to try the house-smoked salmon with a toasted bagel, chive cream cheese, and pea greens. I was mildly disappointed there were no tomatoes and capers, but the chive cream cheese and pea shoots made great accompaniments as well. The salmon was so fresh and tender, with a rich, silky texture. I absolutely loved this dish.

After we ate, Renee came around to say hi and thank us for coming. We all thanked her for putting together such a wonderful event!

And outside, before parting ways, we grabbed a quick group picture. Love these ladies!

Thank you so much to Renee, Island Creek Oyster Bar, and all the sponsors below!

America's Test Kitchen
Barefoot Wine
Biba
Biltmore Bar & Grill
Boston Ballet
Boston Center for Adult Education
Boston Food Finds
Cow and Crumb
Cumberland Farms
Dorado Tacos & Cemitas
Dore Creperie
Doves and Figs Kitchen
Eversave Boston
Foodies of New England
The Four Seasons Boston
Haircuttery
Harvard Common Press
iParty
Klout
KO Catering & Pies
Langham Hotel Boston
Phillips Candy House
Pinkberry
Pretzel Crisps
Popchips
Stages of Beauty
Stonyfield
USA Pears

Where is your favorite place to go for brunch?