• Last Dining Experience of the Year!

    by Holly • December 31, 2009 • Jamaica Plain, Meat/Poultry, restaurant review, seafood • 0 Comments

    Right before the new year is when you hear a slew of corny sayings pertaining to the last (blank) of the year such as “This is the last time I’ll see you this year”.  I’ve decided to jump on that bandwagon and share with you all my last Restaurant Experience of the year, which just so happens to be my most memorable.

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    As part of my Christmas present this year my Man Crow made reservations at my favorite Boston restaurant, Ten Tables in Jamaica Plain.  I love this place because its small and cozy, the menu changes seasonally and sources locally and just so happens to be the closet restaurant in walking distance from my apartment!  Upon our arrival I was pleasantly surprised to see that they expanded into the building space next door and converted it into a cocktail/lounge area so patrons have a place to sit and have a drink while they wait for their table.

    Wednesday happened to be the 3 course tasting night which was nice because I usually opt out of the dessert but this gave me the chance to indulge.  The meal always begins with an amuse bouche which was a beet puree topped with creme fraiche and chopped chives followed by some fresh baked rolls and the greenest and most flavorful olive oil I have ever encountered!  Here was the tasting adventure I chose:

    • BBC Beer Steamed PEI Mussels w/ Bacon and Whole Grain Mustard
    • Rosemary Papparadelle w/ Braised Lamb, Pea and Carrot Ragu and Paremesan Reggiano
    • Chocolate Terrine w/ Thai Basil Ice Cream and Sea Salt

    And my Man Crow chose:

    • House-made Bierwurst w/ Red WIne Braised Cabbage (they have the best sausages I have ever tasted here)
    • Pan Roasted Duberton Pork Loin w/ Sweet Potato Puree, Collard Greens and Apple Butter
    • Vanilla Creme Brulee

    We each had a beer to start the dinner off (thought it would go great with mussels and sausage) and the tap was clean as a whistle. For the main course we had the waiter pair a glass of wine for each dish, i forgot the names but bother were tasty.   We both loved every component of our meal as well as dabbled in each others dishes.   In the end, we gave the chef and waiter the best compliment by completely clearing all of our plates!

    Ten Tables on Urbanspoon

    About Holly

    The Story of Holly

    Told by Miz Emily

    Holly first introduced me to the concept of "caw-ing" almost 3 years ago. My life has never been the same. By day this crow works the office life but by night you will certainly find Holly (Party Pants) Stevens in her Jamaica Plain kitchen cooking and dancing the night away in true crow fashion. Proudly hailing from Maine's Old Orchard Beach, this wild one has figured out how to combine her love for New England- its history, its food, & its boozy dance parties- with her love of classic elegance. Holly's food is fresh, locally produced, healthy, and full of flavor. A self-described salt hound, no taste bud goes untouched by a meal at Holly's nest. By combining simple salads with rich pastas, fish, and soups, no visitor will leave unsatisfied. Moreover, no hangover goes uncured when morning walks with Holly are kicked off with a hidden stash of irish coffee, and finished off by a nice warm plate of oven potatoes and frittata.

    Glancing around her kitchen you will find a few staple items including a mini whisk (for perfect salad dressing), the classiest compost bucket I've ever seen, a kick-ass vegetable hutch, and most importantly a tasty beverage ready to meet your hand. Her home is cozy and warm, and her hospitality is outmatched by no one. On the bookshelves you will find recipes given to her by friends, and books like Omnivore's Dilemma and Salt: A World History, the later being one of the best book suggestion I've ever received, and the subject of her college thesis. Never missing the chance to make a dinner party a dance party, Holly is in constant motion, ready to motivate the group with classy tunes like Credence, Al Green, and GirlTalk. Unless, of course, Top Chef is on.

    http://crowsinthekitchen.com

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