New Holiday Cocktails at Rosa Mexicano

Spice up the holiday season with two new cocktails from Rosa Mexicano
El Festivo and the Nube de Canela are available exclusively during November and December and balance seasonal flavors like cranberries, walnuts and cinnamon – a perfect complement to Rosa Mexicano’s authentic Mexican fare.

El Festivo brings together HerraduraAñejo and Del Maguey Vida mezcal with cranberry-infused Meletti Amaro, walnut bitters and organic agave, $14.

Nube de Canela combines organic reposado tequila and Black Strap rum, the flavors of which are heightened by the delicate layering of Orgeat, cinnamon, fresh lime and Angostura. $11.
 


 

Food Truck Throwdown!

 We love this pic of the judges from Saturday's Food Truck Throwdown

Our publisher Jill Epstein with Jenny Johnson, Scampo's Lydia Shire, City Councilor Mike Ross AND Lobsta Love Truck! Did you make it over to the Greenway? An estimated 14,000 people showed their food truck love!

 


Cook a Holiday Feast with Lydia Shire at Scampo!

The holidays are quickly approaching and Lydia Shire and Simon Restrepo invite you to enjoy an evening of cooking the ULTIMATE holiday feast at Scampo. Begin the evening at the Mozzarella Bar where Lydia and Simon will demonstrate how to craft three courses for your holiday table, while you enjoy light bites and a specialty cocktail. Afterwards, dine with Lydia table-side as she answers follow up questions and shares stories.   

Details: 
November 15, 2012, 5:30-8:30 p.m. $150 per person includes cooking class with cocktail and prix fixe dinner (food only). Tickets are limited and available on a first-come-first-serve basis by calling (617) 536-2100.

Hot Pink Afternoon Tea at BHH

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and starting October 1st, The Rowes Wharf Sea Grille at the Boston Harbor Hotel will show their support by offering Hot Pink afternoon tea. Sip on rosé rimmed with pink sugar and enjoy decorative pastries, a selection of finger sandwiches, scones and tea breads – designed by Executive Chef Daniel Bruce and Pastry Chef Bill Romiza.

Tea time is offered daily from 2:30– 4:00 p.m. and costs $39 per person, with 10 percent of proceeds benefiting The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. 
Available through October 25, 2012.
For reservations, call 617-856-7744.


Rosa Mexicano & Alex's Lemonade Stand

Seaport's Rosa Mexicano is now offering a cooling treat inspired by their recently launched partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. ALSF strives to increase awareness of childhood cancer and raise funds for finding a cure for all childhood cancers.

Rosa Mexicano pastry chef Jai Kendall has crafted the Gelatina de Limonada (Lemonade Jello): Horchata-lemonade "jello", meyer lemon-basil marmalade with raspberry-rose granita. This sweet and refreshing flan-like treat “tastes like a creamy raspberry lemonade” and will be available for $8 through August.

Rosa Mexicano will be hosting various programs throughout 2012 to help meet their goal of raising $25,000. www.rosamexicano.com.

 

W2E on National Watermelon Day

Happy National Watermelon Day!
...Where will you celebrate your favorite summer snack?
 
Where to Eat Watermelon
Scampo - Mozzarella - with prosciutto and plancha ‘watermelon steak’. $21

The Fireplace - Cool Watermelon & Rhode Island Feta Salad - regional cheese, drizzled balsamic, pickled red onion, chick peas, and chopped parley and mint.

Where to Drink Watermelon
Haru - Watermelon Fizz – infusion of freshly muddled watermelon and cilantro with Inocente Tequila, finished with a splash of lime and soda water. $13

Legal Harborside - Margarita From Hell – Barrel-selected Corazón Añejo Tequila, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, jalapeño-habanero syrup, fresh watermelon, lime. $9.95

Legal Sea Foods - Fresh Watermelon CrushRain Organic Vodka, fresh watermelon, simple syrup. $9.95   

Sip on the Watermelon Fizz at Haru

Spring/Fall 2012 Cover Debut!

We are excited to share our new Where to Eat and Drink
Summer/Fall Issue with you!

Check out our special feature, Entertain Like a Lady, sharing tips about bringing the party home, and see why Worcecster has become a dining destination! Available now for pre-order on amazon.com.


Worcester Restaurant Week

Worcester has become a dining destination not to be missed and the summer edition of Worcester Restaurant Week is your chance to try out these hot spots just west of Boston. Starting this Monday, July 30th, and running through August 12th, you can enjoy a 3 course dinner for only $23.12. 

For a complete list of participating restaurants, including our favorites Bocado, Ceres Bistro, Joey's and Mezcal Cantina, click here. Be sure to check out the Worcester Chapter in our upcoming Summer/Fall 2012 Issue of Where to Eat. On stands soon!


W2E 4th of July!

view from the patio at dante
Enjoy an Italian American BBQ on dante’s riverside patio on the 4th. Reservations available for à la carte dining. First reservations guaranteed patio seating.
Dinner menu: 6-10PM
Bar menu: 2:30-6PM & 10PM–12AM 
Post Fireworks Party: 10PM-Close.

Blue on Highland is celebrating America’s Independence and the official start of summer with a special “Red, White and Blue on Highland” food and drink menu offered from July 1st through July, 8th, 2012 (closed the 4th). The special menu depicting the colors of the flag will be offered as a 3-course prix fixe menu for $33 per person, or served a la carte.

During the entire month of July, come to The Fireplace and enjoy the foods of our greatest native sons. Those U.S. presidents who were born, raised or vacationed annually in the six New England states will be honored with a culinary exploration into what these patriots ate and drank.

Tea Party Tuesdays at Avery Bar

This summer, the Avery Bar at the Ritz Carlton is celebrating the opening of the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum with “Tea Party” Tuesdays. Special “tea” cocktails and Tas “tea” lite bites will be served every Tuesday evening from 5pm 'til Midnight. 

Here's what's on the menu:

W2E Father's Day Favorites

BOKX 109 American Prime at Hotel Indigo will honor dads with a special three course Father's Day barbeque.  

All dads who dine at Blue on Highland on Father's Day will enjoy a free round of golf at New England Country Club!

This Father's Day give the grill at home a rest and take Dad to Café Fleuri at The Langham, Boston for a barbecue-inspired Sunday brunch!

Celebrate at Darryl's with an all you can eat Jazz Buffet Brunch or a three course prix fixe dinner including a complimentary highball or beer.  

Where To Eat Photo Shoot at West Elm

Here is a peek into our Skinnygirl Cocktails photo shoot yesterday at West Elm with photographer Andy Ryan.
Look for the feature in our upcoming Where To Eat Summer Issue...on stands soon!


Chef Josh at Happy's prepared this beautiful
tuna dish with cucumber & mango salsa.

Andy shooting the Skinnygirl Sangria.

Where To Drink on Amazon.com!

Our seventh annual edition of Where to Drink, a guide to the best bars and lounges in Boston, is now available on Amazon.com!
 
In addition to fifty recipes from Boston's best bartenders, check out our Drink Local section, highlighting native MA products and distilleries, and see what’s hot outside of the city limits in the Go West! feature.

Where To Drink can also be found at any of the retailers listed here.

What to Drink Memorial Day Weekend

Where to Eat & Drink's publisher Jill Epstein discussed Boston's newest restaurants on this morning's Jeff Santos Show – Revolution Boston 1510AM. Though they ran out of time to share her list of perfect Memorial Day cocktails, here are a few from our favorite local distilleries for your weekend drinking pleasures:

On "The Singles" Menu Tonight at Harvest


1st
"Save the Date" Salad
Great Hill Blue Cheese, Eva's Pea Greens & Smoked Bacon Vinaigrette

Louis Bouillot, Perle d'Aurore Rose de Saignee, 
Crémant de Bourgogne, Burgundy, France  NV

W2E: Mother's Day


W2E Tacos and Tequila on Cinco de Mayo!

Enjoy a tasty five dollar taco feast at BOKX 109 American Prime on Cinco de Mayo! From 6:00pm to 9:00pm, guests are invited to pull-up a seat at the bar or patio where they can enjoy complimentary chips, salsa and guacamole in addition to a selection of five dollar tacos stuffed with tasty beef, chicken or fish. BOKX will also have ice-cold Corona; Corona Light; and, a variety of Sauza Margaritas for $11.00 to compliment the festive fare. 
  
Blue Ginger's featured Cinco de Mayo beverage is the Blue Ginger Diablo Margarita spiked with cayenne-infused ginger syrup!

Get in the spirit with $2 Coronitas & $10 Sangrias on Cinco de Mayo at Capiz Lounge.

Where To Eat & Drink on Derby Day

Time to flaunt your most elaborate hat and seersucker suit at one of these stylish and tasty Kentucky Derby events on Saturday, May 5th:

EVENT: Bourbon Women Take Flight at Eastern Standard

The Bourbon Women Association invites you to drink bourbon with the ladies this Thursday night at Eastern Standard in Kenmore Square. The Bourbon Women Take Flight event, presented by Bulleit Bourbon and George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey, includes an evening of bourbon tasting and networking, as well as a one-year Bourbon Women Association membership.

Details
When: Thursday, April 26th. 6-8pm.
Where: Eastern Standard - 528 Commonwealth Ave - Boston, MA
Tickets: $50. Purchase here.

W2E on Marathon Monday: Burgers, Brunch & Carbs!

We know you will be cheering, but where will you be eating on Monday, April 16th?

South End favorites Aquitaine and Metropolis will be making their weekend brunch menu available on Marathon Monday. 10am-3pm.

The Fireplace in Brookline is setting up a sidewalk charcoal grill alongside their outdoor patio tables. A variety of sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, desserts, soda and water will be sold to keep your hunger at bay while you cheer on the runners. 10:30 am-3:30 pm.

L’Espalier is offering a three-course menu in their second floor dining room, overlooking the last leg of the historic route. 
$50 per person including a cocktail. 11:30am to 2:30pm.

Carbo-loading for the big day?
Join Rialto for an extravagant five course Marathon Pasta Tasting Menu on April 15th from 5:30–9 pm; $65 per person.

Free Friday Night Concerts at Capiz

The Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel’s Capiz Lounge is offering a free concert series - R Life LIVE - on Friday nights from 9-11pm, bringing up-and-coming talent to the Seaport District. 

Shows are held in Capiz lounge where guests can taste Blue Ribbon apps and hand-crafted cocktails. A not to miss spring cocktail is The Pompa Martini, made with Absolut Grapevine, Stirrings Peach, POM juice and a scoop of orange sorbet. 

Upcoming schedule: 
MAR 30 - MATT CUSSON

APR 6 - EVOLFO DOOFEHT

APR 13 - JOE FOX & THE 4TH FLOOR BAND

APR 20 - MCALISTER DRIVE

APR 27 - ADAM PAYNE

Details: 9-11pm • No Charge • 606 Congress St • Boston • 21 and over



 

Taste of the South End 2012

Only a handful of tickets are still available for tomorrow night's Taste of the South End at The Cyclorama at the Boston Center for the Arts! Over forty of your favorite South End restaurants are getting together for an evening of culinary greatness in support of the AIDS Action Committee. In addition to tasting signature dishes and sipping an array of beverages, guests will enjoy cooking demos and a silent auction.

Tickets available HERE!

General Admission Tickets
$95.00
- includes admission to Taste of the South End: Grand Tasting from 7:00 to 9:30pm

VIP Tickets
$150.00
- includes special VIP admission. 

For details visit www.aac.org/taste

W2E on Leap Day!

Summer Winter is celebrating the birthdays of leap years lost with a quartet of mini cakes to ring in the Leap Year. Today, the tiny treats will be available for $12, free for leapies in honor of all those missed birthdays.

Masa Restaurant is hosting a Smuttynose Beer Dinner tonight featuring 3 delicious Southwestern courses. $35. 7pm.

3 for $35 tonight at Ten Tables Jamaica Plain: Enjoy a 3 course dinner that you choose! 

Staying in because of the storm? Order dinner from The Fireplace via Dining In and get 15% off your entire order!

Explore wines of Fruili, Italy while tasting chefs choice complimentary small bites tonight at Ceia Kitchen and Bar. $20 for 3 half-glass pours.

Sel de la terre Long Wharf is keeping Leap Day groovy with a Groovy Grape themed menu. Sit down to a four course tasting menu and chat with Wine Director Erik Johnson about the featured pairings. 7pm. $44.



Retweet Where To Eat!

We have reached 2,000 @W2Eboston followers on twitter and would like to extend some love to you all with a gift certificate giveaway. 

All this week, you will have the chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Haru Sushi just by following us and re-tweeting this phrase:

RETWEET CONTEST: Follow @W2Eboston and RT this for a chance to win $25 to @HaruBoston! Ends 3/2 http://bit.ly/z7G5gp

As long as you have a twitter account, you can enter to win!

Time Frame
February 27th through March 2nd

Winner
The winner will be randomly chosen and announced on Monday, March 5th.

W2E loves Gelology!

Our lovely publisher, Jill Epstein, turned 40 this weekend and celebrated with friends, family and an innovative way to enjoy cocktails...Gelology.

Biologist and master GELologist, Matt Micari, is passionate about gourmet gelatin and is revolutionizing J-E-L-L-O as we know it.

So what was on Jill's menu? The eye catching Gelebration Floats are made by suspending raspberries in sparkling grape juice, elderflower cordial, and lemon juice.

Another favorite was the Salted Caramel Chocolate Pudding Hearts, made with chocolate pudding, milk, and home made salted caramel sauce. Flavored with Baileys and Godiva chocolate liquors (FYI They can be ordered in Jell-Obama form). 

The personalized 4-0 Alphagels were pretty in pink and are available in a variety of flavors.

Matt has a slew of other creations available for every holiday (or non-holiday) imaginable, from root beer barrels to edible petri dishes. Visit his website for details. 

Looking to create your own gelatin art? Be sure to brush up on your Gelatin101
 

Wine & Dine this President's Weekend

Friday 2.17
From 9PM to close, enjoy a trio of bubbly selections paired with complimentary demi-dessert pairings. 
$19 per person.

Saturday 2.18
Via Matta V-day Tasting Menu
In addition to their regular dinner menu, Via Matta is serving their lovely V-Day tasting menu through Saturday, February 18th. Enjoy a complimentary prosecco toast and a little treat on your way out. 
$150 per couple.

Sunday 2.19
Order an entree size of any home-made pasta and keep going back for more!

Monday 2.20
Every Sunday and Monday evening, Wine Director Brahm Callahan presents "The 23 List"- a list of excellent, popular wines that are priced at $23.

Specials for Game Day...Eat-In or Take-Out!

Legal Sea Foods
It's New England Clam Chowder versus Manhattan Clam Chowder.
Soup-er Bowl Challenge mail order package includes a quart of New England Clam Chowder, a quart of Manhattan Clam Chowder and a serving set for 10 for $25.46 (reg. $41.85) with promo code XLVI. 

Super Bowl 46 for $46 Take-out Special!
garlicky coal-black chicken wings
crispy spring rolls
traditional scallion pancakes
braised pork belly buns
tigers tears salad
tea smoked spare ribs
and nasi goreng, indoneisian fried rice!
Pre-order by 6pm on Friday, February 3rd. Serves 2-4

Noir
Snack on toasted nuts, $5 Bud Lights and $3 nachos!

Post 390 
Warm up by the fire and choose your chowder: A bowl of New England or Manhattan for $8.50. 

Craft Beer Tastings This Week...

Our Winter 2012 Issue of Where To Eat included a special feature on craft beer and this week, The Craft Beer Cellar in Belmont is giving you the opportunity to try out some of our noted brews:
Craft Beer Cellar
February 1 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm

The Bruery tasting with special guest, Patrick Rue!
Craft Beer Cellar 
February 2 - 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Come meet owner, Patrick Rue, and taste the fine concoctions of The Bruery from Placentia, CA.
 
Craft Beer Cellar
Friday, February 3rd - 5:00pm - 7:00pm 
Smuttynose Brewing of Portsmouth NH tasting event

For complete event listings, visit: http://greatbrewers.com/calendar/all/2012-02  

 

This Weekend: Super Hunger Brunch!

What could be better than brunch for a cause? Your favorite weekend meal does just that at the Greater Boston Food Bank's Super Hunger Brunch on January 28th and 29th. Teaming up with Boston's finest chefs, the GBFB invites you to dine while helping to end hunger in eastern Massachusetts.

Choose from an array of restaurants on both Saturday and Sunday in all areas of the city and beyond for $25, $35 or $50. Here are our W2E picks:

Chefs for Obama on January 31st!

Next Tuesday, January 31st, join 14 of your favorite Boston chefs for a cooking competition and tasting in support of President Obama. The competition will be judged by Governor Patrick, Diane Patrick and Chef Ming Tsai. As a guest, you will have the opportunity to taste creations made by the following superstar chefs:

Boston Wine Expo: Demos & Dinners

The Boston Wine Expo is a week-long celebration of the world's most popular wine-growing regions. From January 16-22, prepare to enjoy Vintner Dinners, Grand Tasting features, three days of seminars and the Grand Cru Wine Lounge at the Seaport Hotel.
 
Chef Demos including Billy Brandolini of Ceia, Chris Coombs of Deuxave, William Kovel of Catalyst, Chris Douglas, Patricia Yeo and Andy Husbands (to name a few!) will take place during the two-day Grand Tasting on January 21st and 22nd.

Wineries will also host exclusive Vintner Dinners at some of the city's finest restaurants throughout the week, providing diners the opportunity taste unique food and wine pairings. On Thursday, January 19 BOKX 109 American Prime is hosting Rutherford Ranch, while 606 Congress explores Alexander Valley Vineyard. Click here for the complete schedule.

Tickets range from one day Grand Tasting $85-$95, 
two day $145 and Grand Cru $175.


Stag's Leap Wine Dinners at The Fireplace

The Fireplace in Brookline has two top notch Stag's Leap wine dinners coming up this month and next. Owner, Jim Solomon, has cellared these rare wines for over ten years so don't miss out! 

This Month's Harvest Review: Oysters & Apples

On Wednesday, January 11th, head over to Harvest in Cambridge for this month's review, "Something to Write Home About." Amy Traverso, author of The Apple Lover's Cookbook, and Erin Murrary, author of Shucked:Life on a New England Oyster Farm, have teamed up to host an evening full of delicious food and wine. 

Your $39 entry includes 4 courses with wine pairings,
exclusive of gratuity. 6pm.
Call Harvest at 617.868.2255 for reservations.

For a schedule of future Harvest Reviews, click here.



Dine at South End Buttery Sun-Thurs, Get 10% off!

On Sunday through Thursday nights this January, South End Buttery is offering 10% off! Gather your entire party and be seated at or before 6:30 PM to receive the discount. 
Cannot be combined with any other offers. 

Be sure to also make your reservations for "Argentina Night" on February 13, 2012 to celebrate Argentinian wine, art, food and travel! The event will debut an exhibit of the photographic works of acclaimed New York photographer Alessandro Pappalardo.




First January Wine Seminar at Taberna!

The "Island Wines of Spain" January Wine seminars at Taberna de Haro start tonight at 6:30pm!
A mix of reds and whites will be served with delicious small plates:

•Quibia, a fragrant white from Mallorca, with sobrasada toast

•Bermejo malvasia seco from Lanzarote with fish "churros."

•Fronton de Oro from Gran Canaria, with salty little potatoes & green sauce. •Tajinaste from Tenerife, with savory little cheese cakes. 
Only TWO spots left for tonight, email Deborah Hansen  at deborahhansen9@gmail.com to reserve. $63 inclusive of tax.
Future seminars on January 11th and 18th.

Dorchester-Milton Restaurant Week 2012

On Sunday through Thursday nights between January 15th and 30th, Dorchester's finest restaurants are offering up a three-course dinner for $30.12. 

Show your love for this south of the city neighborhood by reserving your seat at one of these nine spots (T accessible and lots of parking available!):