17th Ave · Mexican

Milpa

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On Friday, my friends Kournikova, Betty and Quebecois and I went out for dinner. As per our tradition, we gathered at one of our houses for a drink before heading to the restaurant. Let’s listen to “About Damn Time” by Lizzo for this post.


When we arrived, Milpa was less than half full. We were seated in the back, right by the washrooms, which irritates me because it reminds me of when I get stuck with a bad seat on a plane. Unlike my fancy friends, I always fly economy. Our server was fine when I asked if we could move up to the middle of the room.

I noticed the majority of the crowd was a younger demographic. I can see the draw. Milpa is a lively restaurant on 17th Ave with reasonably priced food. For drinks, Betty selected an apple cucumber spritz ($8), I ordered a Palomina ($15), Kournikova tried the margarita ($15), and Quebecois ordered a gooder – a bottle of Vive la Loire Touraine Rose ($60). My icy cold glass sparkled with salt. I found my cocktail boozy from the Cazadores Blanco, which muted the grapefruit flavour.

I asked Betty to take pictures of the food, as the month earlier, I had gotten Kournikova to take the photos. Betty looked confused as to why I wouldn’t do it and Kournikova explained it was because I take horrible shots. It didn’t hurt when she said it because she’s right.

I was curious about the menu, as Kournikova told me her celiac hubby approved of the food. Our server guided us through the menu and ensured we didn’t over-order. We picked the coconut ceviche ($15), queso fundido ($17), el pastor ($45), pulpo al chentextle ($30) and for dessert, we requested all three cakes.

I thought there was seafood in the coconut ceviche, but after poking around, I realized it was vegetarian. The ceviche was cold and milky, and a touch sweet. I liked the tang from the pomegranate and the smooth bits of taro. Betty mentioned the coconut tasted clean and soft. She said she likes ordering dishes that she doesn’t make at home. The corn and plantain chips were delicious, fresh and crunchy.

I loved the queso fundido. The snow-white cheese was rich and melty, while the mushrooms were meaty morsels. The corn tortillas were warm and fragrant, with a nutty aftertaste. I liked how it was warm and heavy, so smooth to the touch it felt luxurious. I would order the queso fundido again.

The octopus was tasty, but it isn’t a must order. I did like the variation on the plate, from the pureed beans, grilled corn and spicy jalapenos.

Milpa nailed the fun factor in the el pastor. The pork was shaped like a mini roasted spit, which we carved ourselves. The pineapple was still warm and sweet. The flour tortillas were soft and pliable. We all agreed the el pastor was the winning dish of the night.

Kournikova complimented Quebecoise’s selection of wine, which she thought held up to the pork. Quebecoise retorted she always picks French rose, as it’s not usually sweet and goes well with spicy food. She also noted it was a reasonable price for a bottle at a restaurant.

We tried all the desserts and enjoyed them except for the vegan cake, which was good but couldn’t compete with chocolate, caramel and whipped cream.

After we paid our bill, our server brought us a little shooter of slushy deliciousness and Betty, our designated driver, a candy bar. We cackled and howled at this unexpected treat and, after toasting, merrily went back home. I plan to return with L in tow for more el pastor and non-vegan desserts.

Bars/Lounges · French

Avitus Wine Bar

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I’ve been meaning to check out Avitus Wine Bar for months. As most of my close girlfriends live blocks away from me, it just makes sense for them to come over or for me to visit them. However, since Jaime was in town, it would be fun to try something new. For this post, let’s listen to “Mr. Wendal” by Arrested Development.

I knew Jaime would love this place as it’s everything she adores. The wine bar is quaint, armed with charming employees with quirky personalities. She’s all over that stuff. There’s a library of wine and lots of little details that chicks love, like mirrors and ornaments that remind me of signs that say “Live, Laugh, Love!” Speaking of ladies, plenty are there, letting loose and getting louder with each sip. I don’t hang out in Marda Loop, so I wasn’t used to the crowd, a mostly blonde demographic, ranging from 30-50 years old. They looked motherly in appearance but with catty eyes and claws out.

Our server offered to pour us as many samples as needed until we found a glass we loved. I instantly got flashbacks of Bar Vonderfels, where I first got my wine hard-on. We sampled some wines and decided on a Rose ($15). Jaime described this wine as very French, light and summery with the perfect dryness.

The owner created a cheese plate for us: Camembert ($8), Comte ($12), Ossau Iraty ($14), and Cherry and Calvados Chutney ($3). Our basket of carbs contained sourdough bread, baguette and zatar crackers. The cracker was my favourite, as I liked the snappy texture and salty seasoning.

I enjoyed the cherry chutney with the Comte cheese and camembert, and the ossau iraty just by itself. Of all the cheeses, I enjoyed the ossau iraty the most. Thinly sliced thinly, the flavour was unique and smoky. I would order this cheese again.

Avitar is a lovely addition to the SW quadrant of the city. I enjoyed our experience so much that I texted my girlfriends to set up a girl’s night. To be continued.

Bars/Lounges · French · Restaurants · Seafood · Special Occasion

Bar Chouette Round Two

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Jaime was in town! I took her to Bar Chouette because she’s a fan of Duncan Ly’s restaurants, and I wanted a place with a nice vibe. This is my second time at this restaurant. My experience this time was even better, likely because I took the advice of our server, Abby. Let’s listen to “And the Living Is Easy” by Guts for this post.

I knew Abby was a superstar because the last time I was there, Duncan noted that Abby was our server and said with confidence that we would be in good hands. She has phenomenal taste. I hemmed and hawed over which cocktail to order and let Abby pick for me. She selected her favourite, the Rosemary Brown Butter Old Fashioned ($17). Jaime ordered a glass of lambrusco (Fattoria Morette, $14).

Jaime fawned over the heavy glassware and blue and grey hues colours of the plates. I was impressed with the beautiful transparent brick of ice and the buttery texture of the bourbon. I don’t usually enjoy hard alcohol, but this cocktail was smooth. The crunchy praline tuile was sweet and peanutty, perfect for a stiff drink. When Abby came around again, we ordered her food recommendations.

This was my second time eating the Grilled Maitake ($18), even better than my first time. I was facing the kitchen this time and saw a chef grilling the mushrooms over a charcoal contraption. The smell of the smoke was heavenly. The hot butter juiced the entire mushroom, and the onion’s sweet and sour crunch just elevated each bite. Visually stunning. I loved how this dish was so rich yet delicate.

The Roasted Potato Gnocchi ($21) was another winner, so freaking fantastic that I smiled as I slowly chewed each bite. The gnocchi was imprinted with dark grill marks, hot little pockets of pleasure. I have never tasted better asparagus, so ripe with flavour. Each gnocchi was heavily blanketed in creamy parmesan cheese shavings. The chanterelles just added a delectable earthy dimension. I would order this again.

Next up was the Barbeque Carrots ($9). I read an online Google review where a fool questioned the value of a nine-dollar carrot. First, it’s carrots, not a singular carrot. Second, this is a labour-intensive dish, which takes five hours to prepare. The fresh dill and sweet crunch of the carrot were sublime. The toasty bread soaked up the sauce’s flavour and reminded me of White Spot triple O sauce, which doesn’t sound like a compliment, but coming from me, it is. I would order everything we tried again.

Abby recommended an Italian white wine for me (’20 Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino Umbria, $13), and it was when I took a sip, I knew she was the best server in Calgary. I hope she stays at Bar Chouette long because I got Bar Vonderfels’ feelings. What a lovely wine! I could quaff this all night long, and at thirteen bucks a glass, I could!

At the end of the night, Duncan popped into the restaurant and came over to say hello. I told him his chefs nailed the food, and everything tasted like he cooked it. I joked to him that he only needs a hologram of him moving around the kitchen because his chefs have his back, and no one would be the wiser.

Another chef told me Duncan is a fantastic mentor and taught him much. I can tell this is still true. Before, when he wasn’t in the kitchen at Foreign Concept, I could always count on a stellar meal. This still holds at Bar Chouette. For me, the most important thing in a restaurant is consistency, and the only places in Calgary I’ve found are Sukiyaki House, Klein and Harris, Cassis, and before Bar Chouette, Foreign Concept. There are more restaurants, I’m sure, but I tend to stick to what I know. Hitting the Sauce gives Bar Chouette two phat thumbs up, making it on my list of favourite restaurants in Calgary.

17th Ave · Japanese · Restaurants

Lonely Mouth #Round Two

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I didn’t want to cook on Sunday, so I informed L that his old broad was taking him out for dinner. I felt like Japanese, but Sukiyaki House is closed on Sunday. Where else could we go? I remembered seeing Miss Foodie post about a memorable meal at Lonely Mouth, so I booked a last-minute reservation. For this post, let’s listen to “Signs” by Snoop Dog.

We arrived and were ushered into a cozy corner nook on the patio. We received hot towels to freshen up our hands and heard a rundown on the two-course meal featuring Alberta ingredients. For food, I selected the Bluefin Tuna Tartare ($19), Chicken Wings with Yuzu Ranch ($18), Sashimi Platter ($28), Brant Lake Wagyu Beef Tataki and Table Corn Udon ($35).

L saw Toki ($16) highball on the menu and noted it had Suntory Toki whiskey. I read the drink also contained super-carbonated soda and lemon twist and immediately followed suit. Delish! The bubbles were tiny, and the combination of the lemon and whiskey was refreshing. I would get this again.

First up was the beef tataki. I scooped up a thin, tender slice of wagyu beef, acidic and dripping in azuki and marrow vinaigrette, and ate it in one bite with the shredded crunchy potatoes and fuji apple.

I loved the snappy udon crackers, salty with an umami that reminded me of freshly fried shrimp chips. The bluefin tuna was clean tasting and salty, making it the ultimate bar food when paired with a strongly made cocktail.

In the past I was impressed with the sashimi platter, but this time around I thought the fish was just alright. The tuna was fishy and I found the other pieces of seafood a little too warm for my preference. I wouldn’t get this again. However, the pacing of each dish was perfect. We had enough time in between courses to relish in the memory of what we just ate. Their HR manager is doing a great job. The service was excellent, from the hostess to the various servers interacting with us throughout the night.

I was pleasantly surprised with the fried chicken. I only ordered this dish because I previously saw Miss Foodie rave about the wings. While it’s not an easy subject to photograph, the dish’s beauty is how it tastes. The ultra-light batter was crispy and foamy, melting in your mouth. The yuzu dipping sauce was deadly, thick, fragrant and creamy, adding another dimension of bright flavour. The meat itself was plump and white, completely unblemished.

This was my first time trying Lonely Mouth’s homemade udon and honestly, I don’t remember the noodles. All I can remember is the hot and crispy Taber corn tempura. The corn was creamy and barely cooked, so all you could taste was the sweet milkiness of the kernels. Just stunning.

L and I left impressed with the quality of the dishes and the level of service. Lonely Mouth knocked it out of the park. Hitting the Sauce gives this 17th Ave gem two phat thumbs up.

Bars/Lounges · Fusion · Patio · Restaurants

Bar Chouette

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On Thursday, I had plans to meet 47, Lululemon and Kournikova at Bar Chouette. I’ve been dying to check out this new restaurant because Duncan Ly owns it, and if you live in Calgary, you know he’s one of the city’s GOATs. For this post, let’s listen to “How Will I Know” by Whitney Houston.

The restaurant space is sleek and modern, with a spacious patio. Lululemon couldn’t get away from work, so it was just the three of us. Forty-seven ordered the Violette Haze ($15), and I ordered a bottle of Milan Nesterac Forks and Knives ($90) to share with the table. I think Kournikova ordered the Spice & Citrus ($18), but I’m unsure as I lost the receipt.

I tried a sip of the Violette Haze, and it was so tasty I will order it the next time I visit. Forty-seven had to go after one drink, so Kournikova and I stayed for dinner. We mulled over the menu and decided on the Smoked Trout Paté ($16), Cured Scallops ($21), Grilled Char Siu Squid ($20) and the Grilled Maitake ($18). Kournikova also ordered us another glass of white wine.

The smoked trout came with vinegary nori chips. I liked the addition of the fresh dill and the crunch from sour pickles. The presentation was just gorgeous. Kournikova took the pictures below, because I was struggling more than usual.

The cured scallops came with ramp vinegar gel, cucumber and buttermilk. This was a delightful bite to begin our meal. The scallops were cool and silky with no fishy aftertaste.

The grilled squid was meticulously stacked, so stunningly plated it deserves two photos. The squid was perfectly cooked, reminding me of James Waters from Klein and Harris, another chef who nails seafood in Calgary.

Kournikova detected five spices in the marinade, which reminded her of Chinese-style duck. The squid was cooked perfectly, buttery smooth and sweet from the mango chutney. While the squid was the best-looking dish, the mushrooms were the best-tasting.

Our favourite dish was the grilled maitake with marmite butter. Kournikova enjoyed the smoky flavour and the umami. I loved the sweet and sour element of the crunchy onions and the texture of the mushrooms.

The world’s a better place with Duncan Ly’s restaurant, and I’m happy to frequent this charming spot in the Beltline. Thanks, Kournikova, for treating me out to try Duncan’s new restaurant.

Restaurants

DJ Market and Italian Centre

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Lululemon and her fiancé Books took me along on a Saturday shopping trip, as she’s been wanting me to check out DJ’s Market. When they picked me up, Lululemon had an iced Starbucks coffee for me to enjoy, which psyched me even more for this trip. Let’s listen to “August” by Taylor Swift for this post.

Lululemon is a vegetarian, so getting the freshest vegetables and fruits is important. She swears that not only does DJ Market have the largest selection of local and BC produce, but it is also cheap.

I was in awe when I walked in. There are two fridges full of fancy mushrooms, Hutterite chicken and eggs, sausages, and stands of fresh BC fruit. On the day we visited, I grabbed the sweetest bags of carrots ($3.99), English peas ($7.99), Hutterite chicken thighs ($8) and a flat of eggs ($9). Lululemon picked up mini cucumbers and beans for pickling, dill, a box of blueberries and bags of fruit.

Lululemon and I continued our journey to the Italian Centre. I followed her around the store and copied whatever she did. We waited in line for the cheese and olives. I stood by the aisle to wait for my turn, out of the way of other customers, while Lululemon went to the pasta aisle. I saw a man look directly at me and strode over to me. I immediately freaked out, thinking he was coming my way to yell at me. I ran over to the counter, closer to other customers. He pivoted, approached me, and disarmed me with one sentence: “Do you like olives?” I responded in the affirmative and tried his olive sample. Oh my gosh – this place truly is a paradise. Where else do you have people offering such delicious treats?

When it was our turn at the deli, we sampled various kinds of cheese, and I bought Appenzeller Swiss Medium ($13.31), Ubriaco Rosso Piave ($12.45) and Full Monty Olives ($8.95). I’m a faithful and diehard Peasant Cheese fan, but the employees at the Italian Centre know their stuff, have the hugest selection, and the prices are unbeatable.

I also bought a frozen meat lasagna ($50), packages of my new favourite dried pasta, Risa ($2.19) and an Arracini ($8.50) to go. The arancini was crunchy and soft and mealy on the inside. The tomato sauce was bright and thick, with a vibrant zing.

The next day, my in-laws and L raved about the cheeses and olives I bought back. The eggs and fresh chicken are the best I’ve bought in Calgary. I loved the produce so much that I dragged L to DJ’s Market two weeks later. The employees came around and greeted me, while the female owner recognized me and welcomed me back. When I told her she had the best produce and prices in town, she took a deep breath and thanked me, saying it meant a lot because she had just had some rude customers yell at her that the prices were too high and as a result, they were never coming back. She said they work so hard to keep the prices down, but she can’t prevent the rising cost of produce. I responded that no place sells produce fresher or cheaper than DJ Market, so good riddance to them.

Thanks, Lululemon, for opening my eyes to see the light. I’m now the Italian Centre and DJ Market’s number 1 fan! Looking forward to the next food adventure with you.

Boston · Seafood

James Hook

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I didn’t want a lobster roll from just anywhere, so I waited for the opportunity to go somewhere known specifically for their crustaceans. We packed our bags, and before leaving for the airport, we dropped by James Hook. For this post, let’s listen to “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash.

We arrived half an hour after James Hook opened, so it was still quiet. I told L to grab a table in the shade while I walked up to the food truck to order two large Lobster Rolls w/butter ($38.99), Sauvignon Blanc ($12) and a James Hook Summer Wheat Ale ($9).

I sipped on my wine and watched an older man sit quietly in the corner, carefully dissecting an entire lobster. His face was stern, and he never looked up, laser-focused on extracting all the meat from the shells. I saw an Asian dude around my age eating a small lobster roll and clam chowder. His back was turned to me so that I couldn’t read his expression. A couple of friends ordered several items and had to keep going to the food truck for napkins and hand sanitizer. After I was done spying and satisfied that we had hit the jackpot of tourist attractions, our food was ready.

Unlike all the other customers who had to wait at the truck, the employee brought out our food. I think this was because I tipped, and no one was waiting in line when our food was ready. I handed L his lobster roll and could tell it was heavier than mine. I complained bitterly, and without a moment’s hesitation, he switched our rolls. I felt myself swooning from his chivalry. We both took a second to admire our lobster rolls, piled so high that we had to cradle the toasted roll in the cardboard and foil when we ate. Otherwise, the meat would tumble off.

I couldn’t believe how much lobster tail and claws were in my sandwich. I poured the hot butter over the top of the bun, but there was so much that I ended up dipping the chunks of meat as the butter couldn’t make its way down to the bottom. The lobster was warm, light and clean. The red and white meat was succulent and tender, with a pleasant toothsome crunch to it. L and I have never eaten so much seafood in one sitting. I liked how all you could taste was the natural sweetness of the juicy lobster rather than seasoning or condiments.

The Canadian dollar is weak, so the two rolls and drinks cost me about $140 after the conversion. However, it was well worth it since we live in the prairies. It was an experience we couldn’t get elsewhere. Hitting the Sauce gives James Hook two phat claws up.

Boston · Restaurants

Row 34 and Oleana

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On our second last day, we checked out the Institute of Contemporary Art. L scoped out the area and suggested Row 34 for lunch. Before I left for this trip, my colleague Happy recommended Row 34, so I was up for it. I also knew there was a variety of craft beers for L to choose from.

The restaurant has high ceilings and a lofty warehouse vibe I noticed all the servers were on top of their game, professional and always posed to elevate customers’ experience. The weather on this particular day was awful, so we sat in a corner, watching the sheets of rain pour down through the window.

We weren’t too hungry and wanted something light to tie us over until dinner. I knew mussels weren’t in season, but I still ordered the Lager Steamed Mussels ($18). L wanted New England Clam Chowder ($13). Our server picked a crisp white wine (Domaine de la Ferrandière, $14) to go with my mussels, and L ordered Rally ($10), a session IPA.


My mussels were small and ordinary. The sourdough bread was too hard to eat, but I enjoyed L’s cornbread, which arrived in a big cast-iron pan. Oh boy, the bread was light and sweet, fluffy and soaked in sweet maple butter. The portion was so large that L could only eat half, so I gobbled up the remainder. L thought the clam chowder was even better than Bostonia Public House.


After the rain subsided, we walked to the Institute of Contemporary Art. When L got our tickets, the employee mentioned our admission was five dollars less because two exhibitions were closed. We took the elevator to the fourth floor and spent half an hour analyzing Simone Leigh’s sculptures. I was impressed with sheer enormity and the deep impression each piece imprinted on me. Once we were done, L said that was it and it was time to go. Unconvinced, I went back downstairs and double-checked it was just the Simone Leigh exhibition. The employee nodded and mentioned that’s why they gave us a discount, and typically, there is a watershed tour, but due to the rain, it was cancelled. The employee next to her snickered and looked delighted in my disappointment. L and I checked out some more museums and historical sites before our last dinner in Boston.

David, the friendly regular, recommended Oleana, as did my restaurant informer, Bottleneek. I couldn’t get reservations beforehand, so we went right when it opened and caught a table outside. Let’s listen to “Aman Avcı Vurma Beni” by Kemal Tanriverdi for this post.

We sat on the colourful outdoor patio amid leafy plants and a spouting water fountain. Two musicians played their instruments all evening, gently plucking away on their strings. Our young server provided us with an overview of the menu and, when asked, gave us his recommendations. I ordered a glass of white wine (Malagousia Blend, Theopetra Estate, Meteora, Thessaly, Greece, $17) while L selected a local beer (Lamplighter Brewing Co, Cambridge, MA, $14).

The Za’atar Bread ($11) was a ten out of ten. The bread is miraculous. Soft, light and spongy, the bread was salty from the Moroccan spices and walnut muhammara and fresh from the ribbons of cucumber and mint. I would get this again.

The Fatteh ($15) reminded me of a savoury dessert. I relished the fatty crunch of the pastry sheet and the soft curried cauliflower. The caramelized onions, pine nuts and yogurt made this dish just zing with intensity. The fatteh is another winner.

I read several reviews raving about the Spinach Falafel ($15), so I had to order it. We were instructed to roll each falafel with the flatbread and greens. I didn’t follow our server’s instructions, and instead, I broke apart the crunchy falafel into pieces, mixing the tahini, sour pickles, pine nuts and tzatziki. The spinach leaves were thick and wild looking.

Each dish came out leisurely, so we could take our time and savoured each dish. I ordered a non-alcoholic drink, the Rose Lemonade ($7), because the first glass of wine was enough for me in the heat. Our server noticed my lemonade was missing the rose petals, so he returned to the kitchen to remake another one. It’s this level of detail and attention from a server that elevates a great experience into a memorable one.

I was most curious about the Lamb & Eggplant Moussaka ($17). The lamb was rich and saucy, with a touch of sweetness. The mint and beet chips added a complimentary brightness to the mellow, soft flavours of the potato and eggplant. I would have preferred if the eggplant was not as chewy, but that’s my preference.

Our server highly recommended the Sultan’s Delight ($18), a dish he eats on every shift. I barely had to chew because the braised beef was so tender. I loved flaking the layers of beef off and swirling it in the puree. Eating the meat and eggplant puree in one bite was rich, sweet and smoky. The crowning glory was the single basil leaf that left an intense floral taste. We both agreed this was the winning dish of the night.

The chefs behind the food hit the nail with presentation and most importantly, the texture and flavour combinations. L noted all the ingredient went exceptionally well together. Paired with excellent service and serene back drop, this restaurant is a winner in my books. I can see why this restaurant is booked well in advance. L announced this was the best meal we had in Boston. Hitting the Sauce gives Oleana two fat thumbs up.

Boston · Seafood

Neptune Oyster – Part Two

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I booked our second tour, Freedom Trail: Small Group Tour of Revolutionary Boston. While I’m an avid reader, when exploring a new city, I prefer the experience of being guided to major historical points. It also helped that our guide, Drew just finished his degree from the Boston Fine Arts Theatre Arts. His flair for drama enriched the stories he recounted on our tour. For this post, let’s listen to “Freedom 90′” by George Michael. 

The significant points of interest for me were the Old South Meeting House, where the famous Boston Tea Party began and the Old State House, where the speeches sparked the rebellious acts of defiance. Drew walked us over to Little Italy, where we passed Paul Revere House, the oldest building in Boston, and then concluded the tour with a patriotic speech overlooking Bunker Hill. 

At around 1:00 p.m., I dragged my beloved to Neptune Oyster, but the line was so long that we wandered over to a pub for a beer and fries. By the time we returned, around 2:15 p.m., the line was shorter. We waited about 40 minutes, and in that time, I regaled the customers in front and behind me of the delicious gloriousness that awaited them at Neptune Oyster. I could tell that waiting in line exhausted L, as he was still tired from the day before, and my hyping up crowds under the scorching sun didn’t help.

When we received our drinks, there were some empty seats around us. The mood changes when it’s not jam-packed with customers. Employees clustered around regulars and chatted with them about their day. An employee slipped out of the kitchen and sat at the bar to enjoy a meal. There’s nothing more comforting in my eyes than an employee taking a moment to eat a meal at their workplace. 

I tried L’s beer, which was the best pint on the trip. I enjoyed the tiny bubbles and clean flavour profile ($11). I tried the rose ($14) from the day before, as our server recognized me and remembered that “everyone was drinking that rose that day.”

I ordered four of the Cherrystone clams ($2.90) while encouraging L to try the oysters ($3-3.50). Ah, the clams were just as good as yesterday, salty, sweet and tasting of the ocean. The plump meat was cold with a satisfying chew to it. L noted Neptune’s oysters were far better than the Bostonia Public House. 

Next, we supped on Bluefin Tuna ($21). The tuna was buttery and smooth, but it was the addition of the crunchy seeds and salt made the crudo pop. I liked the dollop of olive oil and nutty flavour from the sunflowers. 

We ordered the Neptune Johnnycake ($19); I knew immediately he would like it. L has a sweet tooth, and nothing makes him happier than dessert. Holy smokes, this is a winning dish. 

We sat silently, slowly picking away the cake, enjoying the sweet, savoury flavours. The contrast between the honey butter, creamy smoked fish puree and sturgeon caviar was unusual and delicious. L raved that this was the best dish he’s eaten on the trip. He loved the crispy texture and the unique flavour combination. 

For dessert, I ordered Fried Clams ($28). I don’t think Neptune, the godly chef from the previous day, cooked this order of clams. It might have been his apprentice because while it was good, it wasn’t out of this world like it was when I first tried it. The difference was that the clams weren’t as fat, and the batter was crisper, so it didn’t crumble and melt in my mouth like the last time. The clam belly was firmer, more like a standard fried oyster than a jiggly gift from the sea.

As my new friends from the lineup left the restaurant, they came to thank me for my recommendations. Perhaps I missed my true calling as a hype person for rap music. L agreed with me that Neptune is worth the lengthy lineup. I tried to pay for the meal, but L swiped my hand away and told me to quit it. Thank you, L, for humouring me and taking me out one last time at Neptune Oyster. Hitting the Sauce gives Neptune Oyster two phat thumbs up. 

Boston · Chinatown · Chinese · Seafood

Peach Farm

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I booked a Ghosts & Gravestones Trolley Tour when L returned to the hotel. I knew this would be a silly excursion, but I was curious about the small cemeteries scattered throughout the downtown core. For this post, let’s listen to “Smokin” by Boston.

The tour was corny, and the stories were grossly exaggerated (and historically inaccurate). Still, we had fun jumping on and off the bus and stopping by the Granary Burying Ground and King’s Chapel Burying Ground. Walking through the grounds, we learned a little about the American patriots who died in the battle of Bunker Hill. We stopped by the graves of Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine. The latter three were signers of the Declaration of Independence. The tour would have been more fun in October, with a cooler temperature and the smell of autumn in the air. 

As it was late when we finished our tour, I suggested we try Peach Farm, located in Chinatown. All the employees were friendly, welcoming and attentive. We ordered Lobster with Green Scallion and Ginger ($60), Clams in Black Bean Sauce ($23), Shrimp Chowmein ($16), Steamed Rice ($2) and two beers ($12).

The clams arrived quickly. I liked eating the saucy clams with steamed rice, as the simplicity of hot white rice accents the meatiness of the clams and the saltiness of the black bean sauce. I enjoyed the clams but was annoyed to find a bit of sand in a couple, as the grating texture was off-putting. 

The lobster was so hot the shells blistered my fingers. The meat popped out easily from its red claws. The lobster meat was fresh tasting, with a pleasing toothsome crunch. The ginger and scallion sauce was buttery, luscious, and so messy our server dropped off some extra napkins. I couldn’t help but think of my family when I ate my lobster, as my mom always ordered both king crab and lobster at our monthly dinners. Back then, the rationale for ordering such extravagant seafood dishes was simply because we were out. My mother, Boss Lady, has an extreme personality. For her, it’s go big or don’t go out at all. 

I was content with supping on the clams and lobster with rice, but L was channeling Boss Lady and wanted another dish. I found the chow mein lacklustre. The shrimp was rubbery and tasteless. The sauce itself was void of seasoning or wok hey. This dish was crying out for some MSG! I felt like David, the friendly regular from Neptune Oyster, in that I wanted to tell L that I make a better chow mein at home. 

Overall, I enjoyed my meal. Service was warm and sincere, which made up for the chow mein. Judging from the crowd, Peach Farm is a popular restaurant for everyone, from families, dates, regulars to tourists. I left stuffed and not crabby, as I was full of lobster.