Happy Birthday Toro!!!

Here is to Five Successful Years!

Monday, December 13th, Chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette will celebrate Toro’s fifth anniversary, with guest chef Seamus Mullen, finalist on The Food Network’s The Next Iron Chef and former Executive Chef at Boqueria NYC.

For one night only, Toro, recently named one of Boston Magazine’s Top 50 Restaurants, will feature an à la carte menu of tapas such as Warm Pickled Quail; Razor Clams with Bacon, Nashi Pear, and Horseradish; and Duck Liver Parfait with Pickled Raisins and Ducky Toast.

The special à la carte menu, in addition to the regular menu, will be available until 10 pm, after which Toro will host an afterhours party, open to the public, continuing the five-year anniversary celebration with the entire Toro team. Guests are all welcome to stay and enjoy a late-night selection of tapas and plentiful porrons of sparkling wine accompanied by music and dancing into the night.

Toro Restaurant

Its official; Ceia Kitchen + Bar opens this Friday, December 10th, in Newburyport for Holiday Stroll

The cozy intimate banquettes are in, the Wine Bar is stocked, and Chef Billy ‘Brando’ Brandolini’s debut menu is in place: ready for the much‐anticipated opening of Ceia Kitchen + Bar at 25 State Street in Downtown Newburyport. The opening date, falling on the town’s popular Holiday Invitation Night, is a festive environment to welcome neighbors and visitors alike to introduce the town’s newest dining hotspot. The menu will feature wide‐ranging dinner and wine offerings interpreting the fabulous flavors of coastal Europe. The door opens at 4PM on Friday; reservations are being accepted by phone: (978) 358‐8112.

ceia‐newburyport.com

Delivering Pizza and Holiday Cheer....

donate a toy and receive a slice!

DEC 12th-DEC 19th (at all upper crust locations)



theuppercrustpizzeria.com

Where to Eat and Drink Insider Exclusive

As a special VIP guest that evening you will enjoy:

• 25% off Oe and Royal Effem makeup
• 15% off Kerastase products
• 15% off any beauty and medspa services including Botox and dermal filler of choice
• Plus a SPECIAL HOLIDAY RAFFLE includes a beauty giftbasket (valued at $1,000), a floral arrangement by Winston Flowers and dinner for two at Spiga.

Space is limited so rsvp today!

Click here to rsvp

Ardan Medspa + Salon
72 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02481
P: 781.235.7788
F: 781.235.7798
ardanspa.com

Thanksgiving Plans?

Thanksgiving is my favorite Holiday and every year is a little different. This year we will be frying our turkey in the driveway. Don't laugh, it sounds ridiculous but in fact this method cooks the turkey in 45 minutes (45 minutes!!!), freeing up oven space for all of our other favorites.

Thanksgiving is about family, friends, food and giving thanks for everything we have wherever you decide to have it. So if you not celebrating at home this year, Where to Eat suggests the restaurants HERE. If you are and just in need of a little help at home, check out The Langham Hotel, Chiara, Fireplace, L'Espalier and Sel de la Terre ... where they are offering Thanksgiving dinner to go! (just make sure you check to see when orders are due by) AND, don’t forgot our favorite little Belmont gem, Savinos, where Tom's menu is sure to delight!

Well that’s it for now. Hope everyone has a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving. Bon Appetit!

A Turkey for every Table

Thanksgiving dinner is the singular meal that binds Americans. For many families, the Thanksgiving meal symbolizes a time of appreciation and hope. Lets make sure that every family can have a turkey on their table by making a small donation. For every $13 donated, The Greater Boston Food Bank can distribute a 12-14lbs turkey to a family in need.

Click here to help

Tastings at the Spirited Gourmet

Hey Everyone if you have not yet checked out The Spirited Gourmet in Belmont you are missing out on a whole lot of wine, liquor and gourmet food. They carry over 1,300 different wines, each of which has been tasted prior to its selection with only the best values (a wine that drinks better than its cost). And while others may offer a wider selection they focus on quality, not quantity.

Check out their Grand Tasting Extravaganza on November 13th, where over 50 eclectic wines, delicious hors d'oeuvres and a gift basket raffle will be offered. AND on November 27th from 4 to 7pm a special Winemaker Reception with Tony Coturri of Coturri Vineyards, Sonoma, CA is scheduled, so mark your calenders...

The Spirited Gourmet

448 Common Street

Belmont, MA

617-489-WINE (9463)

thespiritedgourmet.com

Want to do some good?

The 1st Annual FED UP WITH CANCER event takes place on Wednesday, November 17th at The Danversport Yacht Club. Tickets to the event are $30 and offer samplings from some of the best on the North Shore.

Local restaurants include Acapulcos, Danversport Yacht Club, Casual Catering at Super Sub, The American BBQ, The Farm Bar & Grille, Toscana’s Ristorante & Cafe, Four 66 Pub and Grill, Howling Wolf Taqueria, Goodies Ice Cream & many more. A cash bar, silent auction, and music by Sunday’s Well will round out the night. ENTIRE proceeds from the event will support programs and services for cancer patients at Mass General/NSMC Cancer Center in Danvers.

Tickets may be purchased here

SPONSORSHIP opportunities are available. Please contact Kevin Mason at 978-998-6896 or Kevin@masspay.net

Halloween Plans?

Here are some Where to Eat Pics!

Fireplace: On Saturday October 30th enjoy a night out of the ordinary fireside chat with Absinthe. Halloween Night, join in for their seventh annual every popular, Nightmare on Beacon Street. No cover or reservations needed just come dressed in your costume and enjoy special ghoulish goodies and creepy cocktails. There will be a psychic, tarot card & palm reader on hand. Click here

Aka Bistro: A special Fall/Halloween dinner on Saturday, October 30! “Come in costume or wear a mask” to get a complimentary spooky cocktail! For reservations, call: 781.259.9920.Click here

Fort Point/Seaport Hotels, Restaurants, and Bars: Crawl 13 Locations in One Night – this Thursday for Halloween on the Harbor. Come show off your Halloween costume and collect goodies and prizes at 13 of Boston's best bars and restaurants. Grown up trick or treaters will be shuttled between the fabulously frightening locations via Boston Old Town Trolleys and will enjoy ghoulish cocktails, appetizers, and treats while receiving passport stamps at each Halloween party. At the end of the night, the person at each location with the most stamps will win a prize! Click here

The Ritz Carlton Boston: A special Halloween Cupcake tea on Saturday, October 30th for both Adults and children. Guests are encouraged to dress up in their costumes and enjoy the fun! Reservations required: 617-574-7184. Click here

Grown up goblins will enjoy Halloween Spirits and tasty treats Thursday and Friday evening as well as October 30th. Guests will get to taste Nightmarish Nibbles and choose from the Creepy Cocktail Menu and have an opportunity to meet with Ritz fortuneteller. Click here

BOND: Yelloween, a Veuve Clicquot partnership at Bond on Sunday, October 31st. Also they will be featuring a cocktail and food combination called “The Perfect Combination.” Guests who order the combination which consists of the BOND signature cocktail “The Sawbuck” and the Scallion Pancakes will be given a combination to try and unlock a safe containing prizes. Click here

dbar: Halloween Tea Dance at dbar on Sunday Ocotber 31at from 4-8. Harvest “Hoe” Down Themed Costume Party with DJ Jay Ine. Click here

Boston Harbor Hotel: Spooky Tea on October 29th through Sunday, October 31st from 2:00-4:00pm. Pastry chef Bill Romiza will offer spooky treats to the kids while parents can relax over tea or a glass of bubbly and tea sandwiches, seasonal treats, and holiday cookies. When the kids have completed their quests, they can enjoy witches' brew apple cider and do some cookie decorating. Price is $30 for children and $40 for adults. Call 617.856.7744. Click here

Cafe Fleuri: Spooky Chocolate Bar Boo-Fet at the Langham Hotel. On Saturday Ocotber 30th Pastry chef Jed Hackney transforms Café Fleuri's weekly Chocolate Bar into the spooktacular Chocolate Bar Boo-Fet. chocolate lovers can pile their plates with cocoa treats from a selction of 85 desserts. Costume contest and a caricaturist. The Boo-Fet costs $42 per adult and $28 for kids between the ages of 5 and 12. Call Café Fleuri at 617.451.1900, extension 7125 to book your table. Click here

Pigalle: Reserve a table at Pigalle and enjoy a special five-course Pumpkin Picks menu from chef Marc Orfaly. Plates like Fromage blanc tartine with pumpkin confit and Asian chive. Call 617.423.4944 to make a reservation. Click here

Halloween Cupcake Happy Hour

Tonight at Kickass Cupcakes
try free tastings of mini cupcakes with cocktail inspired flavors

Menu
The Black Cat
Vampires Kiss Martini
& The Zombie

Kickass Cupcakes
Davis Square
378 Highland Avenue
Somerville, Massachusetts 02144
Phone: 617-628-CUPS
Fax: 617-628-2878
kickasscupcakes.com

Farmstead Recipe; Mustard & Herb Marinated Flank Steak

Straight from the Jennings family cookbook...I am so making this tonight. YUM!!!

Before it's too cold to step outside on the deck to grill, we've got the perfect autumn entrée . While we prefer local flank steak from our friends at Blackbird Farm or Aquidneck Farms, any juicy cut will do.With the perfect cocktail of fresh torn herbs, spicy mustard and a touch of tamari, this recipe will sing sweet hymns to the carnivore in you. For best results, mix the marinade in a large, non-reactive bowl (stainless steel is perfect). Next, with the flank steak pre-portioned out into large plastic freezer, Ziplock® style bags, pour the marinade over the steaks, seal and shake to thoroughly coat the meat.

Let the steaks sit in the marinade overnight, in your refrigerator. The next day, carefully empty the bags into your sink, reserving the steaks to set aside. On a very hot grill, sear the steaks for approximately three to four minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the meat. Allow the steaks to rest for five to ten minutes before slicing so that they retain their natural juices, and then shave thin. You can serve this marinated and shaved flank steak over pasta, salad, with roasted potatoes, hearty braised greens, or simply, by itself. For an extra kick, spoon some Baboo's mustard onto your plate and slather it on the steak, as you indulge.

Baboo's Mustard & Herb Steak Marinade
Makes 1 pint of marinade- suitable for 2 pounds of steak
Ingredients:
1 level cup of Baboo's mustard
1/3 cup of freshly chopped herb mix (we suggest an unusual combination of cilantro, rosemary & parsley) 1/4 cup of tamari (available at your large grocer)
1/4 cup of red wine vinegar
1/2 cup canola oil, to blend (use extra virgin oil if you are feeling fancy)

Procedure: In a non-reactive bowl, place all ingredients but canola oil. Whisk them together.Once they are combined, slowly drizzle in the oil, continuing to whisk, until the marinade is emulsified. Once the marinade is finished, pour it into the bags with steak.

Cooking Tip: After marinating the steak, grilling the steak, and resting the steak, look carefully at the beautifully grilled meat. You will notice that there is a 'grain' running through the meat. You will want to cut across this grain, in order to ensure you steak remains tender and juicy!

Farmstead Inc.
email: info@farmsteadinc.com
phone: 401.274.7177

Now Open!

click here for more info

Congratulations to Joanne Chang!!!

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce recognized Flour Bakery owner Joanne Chang for 'small business of the year' awards. The chamber also recognized her as “entrepreneur of the year.” She started Flour Bakery and Cafe in the South End and has since expanded to the Fort Point Channel and Cambridge. She also runs Chang Myers with her husband, Christopher Myers.

Met Back Bay to Open Next Week

I am sure most of us have been to the old Joe's when it was 279 Dartmouth St. Next week check out the transformation when Met Back Bay opens its doors... the forth location in Kathy Trustman Metropolitan Club empire.

The completely restored, historic 1877 brick townhouse will feature four different dining areas, including The Living Room, a dining room overlooking Newbury Street and adorned with contemporary Venetian glass chandeliers; The Library, a clubby place for oversized drinks; Met Bar Game Room, a casual bar serving up bar bites and Red Sox games; and The Terrace, a heated outdoor dining area in a garden setting. There will also be an exclusive private dining venue adjacent to the restaurant, Townhouse, which can accommodate up to 80 guests.

More information on Met Bar and Grill here

Show Some Love... Zagat Survey 2010

Vote for all your favorites here... I just did!

Lovin' Spoonfuls, Friday @ Myers + Chang

Join Hosts Joanne Chang, Christopher Myers and Founder of Lovin' Spoonfuls Ashley Stanley at an Asian Night Market for the Launch of Lovin' Spoonfuls

Enjoy Inspired Asian Plates from Chefs
-Matthew Barrows of Myers and Chang
-Ming Tsai of Blue Ginger
-Jamie Bissonnette of Toro & Coppa
and Island Creek Oysters

Sip on signature cocktails from Bols Genever and beers from Peal Organic Brewery

Friday, October 15th
7pm - 10pm
Myers + Chang

Lovin' Spoonfuls is a local non-profit facilitating the recovery and distribution of unserved foods destined for waste. lovinspoonfulsinc.org

And the Improper Dining Awards go to...

Lydia Shire/ The Hall of Fame Award
Bergamot/ Best New Mid-Priced Restaurant
Dante de Magistris/ The Cracker Jack Award
Basho/ Best Late Night Newcomer
Les Zygomates/ The Supper Club Standout Award
Bistro du Midi/ The Anti-Trophy Award
The Aquitaine Group Restaurants/ The Fantastic Four Award
Ginger Park/ The CPR Award
Noche/ The Night and Day Award
Meritage/ Best Dessert Trend
Deuxave/ The Utterly Unjined Award
Journeyman/ The Biggest Balls Award
Eastern Standard/ The Tenth Player Award
Taberna de Haro/ Sexiest Date-Night Venture
Masa/ The Northeast by Southwest Award

Congrats to all the winners!

A big "HUGE" congrats to Chef Peter Davis

of Henrietta’s Table at The Charles Hotel in Cambridge. Named Sustainer of the Year by Chefs Collaborative this past Monday, at the Chefs Collaborative National Summit right here in Boston, Mass. Chef Davis was among a top notch group of finalists, including Sam Hayward of Portland’s Fore Street, Johnathan Sundstrom of Seattle’s Lark and Ana Sortun of Cambridge’s Oleana. Congrats Again!!!

Davis, whose motto is “fresh and honest”—as in “fresh from the farm and honest to goodness New England cooking”—is an avid conservationist with close ties to the region’s fishing and farming communities. His dishes mirror his passion for delicious, fresh foods and the New England Farmers who supply them.

Click here for more information on Henrietta's Table and Chef Peter Davis

Start Rockin’ the Bubbles Early

with Cava Seminars this October at Taberna de Haro in Brookline. There is still some availability on the dates below but attendance is limited to 8ppl so call today to reserve.

Wednesday, October 6th -4 spaces
Wednesday October 13th - 4 spaces
Wednesday October 20th -4 spaces
Wednesday October 27th -2 spaces

Classes take place Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:30pm at Taberna de Haro at 999 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA 02446

Tonight @ The Lagham Hotel "Beauty, Fashion and Wellness"

Beauty and Fashion is the combination of a Photography Exhibition and a Runway Show during the Boston Fashion Week.

Every year a guest designer's collection is selected to be photographed and presented at the exhibit as well as on a runway show.

This year, the term of "Wellness" has been included. Ten yoga teachers have been photographed in their meditation positions, wearing the latest yoga-inspired apparel of Lululemon Athletica.

The net proceeds of the event are funneled to support the Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies at Dana Farber Cancer Institute; and not only to raise funds, but to enhance the presence of the Spirit of Yoga to the concept of Integrative Therapies.

Celebrate one more time the Beauty of Wellness, surrounded by the luxury and timeless elegance of the Boston's Langham Hotel. Ki Bar Event+Cocktail Design will be behind the bar, so you are guaranteed good refreshments!

Please visit Beauty, Fashion and Wellness for more information!

Autumn Harvest Dinner at Union; A Benefit For Richel Nova

A week from today, the Aquitaine Group invites guests to a very special dinner at Union Bar and Grille in support of the Richel Nova Trust for Education. As you may have seen last month on the news, Richel was a delivery man whose life was cut short for nothing more than a hundred dollars leaving behind his three children he worked so hard to provide for.

On October 4th join Mayor Menino, as well as the Aquitaine Group Partners Seth Woods, Matt Burns and Jeff Gates for this great event filled with exceptional food and wine. All of the evenings proceeds will be donated to the trust. Collaborating with Union Chef Keenan Langlois will be three of Boston’s most talented chefs, Matt Gaudet of Aquitaine, Robert Jean of Sorrelina, and Rodney Murillo of Davios. A silent auction of luxury, epicurean and travel packages will round out this special night.

Union Bar and Grille
1357 Washington Street
Boston Ma 02118
617.423.0555

Upper Crust Eating Contest at the House of Blues.. get your tickets today or at the door

Noon-5PM MIX 104.1 Live Radio Broadcast

1 PM Upper Crust Eating Contest
See Joey Chestnut, Major League Eating's #1 ranked eater in the world
2PM Purple Costume Contest
3PM So you think you can dance with a whoopie pie
Tickets can be purchased at any Upper Crust location

See what's in store here

Celebrate the end of Summer at Pigalle!

It is the end of Summer and Chef Orfaly is nostalgic for those Coney Island Summers he enjoyed as a kid. Join Pigalle tonight (Tues, 9/21) and enjoy a taste of their late summer corn soup, mini corn dog and wash it all down with a taste of Harpoon beer for just $5. Space is limited, so reserve your table today. Log on to their twitter page and print the invite to receive the special price of $5.


Pigalle Restaurant
75 Charles St. South
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 423-4944

Heirloom Harvest Dinner with Slow Food Boston at Tomasso Trattoria

MENU FINALIZED! On Tuesday September 28th at 6:30PM at Tomasso Trattoria "Celebration of the Vegetable Harvest", presented in conjunction with Chef's Collaborative and Slow Food Boston, four course dinner featuring local heirloom vegetables & a Tamworth pig from Concord, MA. $54/person (includes tax/tip) for reception/dinner. Wine pairings available for an additional

charge. Reserve directly through Slow Food Boston: REGISTRATION

Boston's own first annual Wine Week!

The first annual Boston Wine Week kicks off a week-long celebration of handcrafted wines by winemakers and growers from around the world, served by the glass or bottle at some of Boston’s top restaurants. Proving that great wine doesn’t have to be a great expense, all wines (some of which retail up to $90/bottle) will be offered at $9/glass and $32/bottle. Participating restaurants will offer a minimum of six wines, available at a substantial discount. Restaurants below;

Contact info@bostonwineweek.com

Get your Tickets now for "Home Sweet Home"

“Home Sweet Home” returns this year with our very own Jill Epstein as an honorary judge. On October 16th, area dessert chefs will compete for the coveted, “Yummy Awards” for best desserts to benefit Cambridge homeless residents or those in danger of becoming homeless. This third annual Home Sweet Home fundraising event hosted by the Cambridge Housing Assistance Fund (“CHAF”) will feature a dessert tasting with numerous area restaurants, bakeries and ice cream vendors; music and dancing; and a silent auction.

VIP PassPORTS, which include a buffet dinner and wine tastings, will also be available for purchase. Sample wines from Westport Rivers Vineyard and Winery, Still River Winery and Travessia Urban Winery.

Participating Establishments Include:

• Aura Restaurant at the Seaport Hotel
• Bergamot Restaurant
• Cambridge School for the Culinary Arts
• Christina’s Ice Cream
• City Table at the Lenox Hotel
• The Fireplace
• Finale Desserterie
• Harvest Restaurant
• Henrietta's Table at the Charles Hotel
• Kickass Cupcakes
• The Middle East
• Rosie's Bakery
• Sweet Bakery & Dessert Bar
• Toscanini's Ice Cream
• Verrill Farm
• Zephyr on the Charles at the Cambridge Hyatt Regency

The event will take place at the Hyatt Regency in Cambridge at 575 Memorial Drive from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. For more information and tickets, please visit www.CHAFund.org. TV Diner is the official media sponsor