Daily Archives: August 24, 2012

Market by Jean-Georges, Theater District, Boston

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Over the years, we  have had really amazing hits at during restaurant week. Our favorites and hit list includes No.9, Sorellina, Smith and Wollensky, Toro, Abe & Louie’s, Bistro du Midi, Radius, lunch at L’Espalier and Rialto.  This restaurant week, we decided on Market by Jean-Georges for a 3 course prix fixe for $33.12 per person.

We really enjoyed our drinks and dessert night at Market (BMH’s first review) so were really looking forward to returning for drinks.

The restaurant ambiance is modern and very sleek. We love the orchids in the center of the room and table ikebana.

We started the evening with a Lychee Raspberry Bellini  with Zardetto Prosecco, Lychee, Raspberry for $12. The bellini was bubbly, lightly sweet and fun. The Ginger Margarita had Sauza ‘Hornitos’ Reposado Tequila Ginger, Lime, Ginger Salt for $13.

The salmon tartare, avocado, spicy radish and ginger dressing was some of the best tartar we have ever eaten. The ginger dressing coated the smooth and fresh salmon, creamy avocado and the bite of the thin flowery radish.

The sweet pea soup, parmesan air and sourdough croutons was a nice starter. Very smooth, fresh and the flavors of the parmesean and sourdough brought a nice saltiness to the peas. We just wish there were more.

The Slowly Cooked Salmon was perfectly prepared, soft and went well with the crisp julienne carrots and vegetables with basil vinaigrette.

The Crispy Chicken with Corn Vinaigrette, Lemongrass and Cilantro was a must get. It was an Asian inspired interpretation of Southern Fried chicken, mash and a side of summery sweet corn. The Southeast Asian flavors, both the lemongrass and cilantro went well with the super tender chicken and coating.

The Chocolate Flan Tart was perfectly chocolatey and an adult version of Mint Chip ice cream. The tart came with candied cocoa Beans, but the best aspect of the dish was the fresh mint ice cream and wished we had a whole bowl.

The Watermelon Lychee Sorbet, Melon Salad and Mint was very refreshing. Wish it had more lychee punch, but the smooth, icy sorbet was really nice with the fresh mint and melon tendrils.

Market by Jean-Georges (W Hotel) on Urbanspoon

Local 149, South Boston

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Local 149 is a fun local bar in Southie with a blue-collar twist. The regular menu features upscaled classic American pub fare. This place packs in plenty of neighborhood charm on P Street, down by Citypoint.

My sister and I weren’t there to try their regular fare though. We came in specifically for Local 149′s Tiki Week, a week long celebration of all things Polynesian with a Rhum Launch Party and a Tiki Bash. During that week, they featured a fantastic $35 Polynesian prix-fixe. We decided that in order to save room for dessert, we’d split all the appetizers and entrees.


The decor was fun, whimsical and very colorful.

My sister tried the My Oh Mai Tai (above left) which had Appleton rum, lime and pistachio orgeat. I tried the Island Sabbatical (above right) which had Old Monk rum, passion fruit, tiki bitters and housemade ginger beer. I adored my drink because it was a delicious version of a dark ‘n’ stormy. The housemade ginger beer was freshly made and added a pleasant warmth to the drink. Both drinks were well made and I would definitely try other tiki drinks.

We tried the spicy lemon and agave spare ribs with daikon slaw as one of our appetizers first. The ribs were delectable and the meat easily fell off the bone. The sauce wasn’t too thicky or sticky and actually went well with the cool, creamy slaw.

The tuna sashimi with creamy macadamia and lychee vinaigrette, spicy lemon honey was our favorite appetizer. The flavors in the dressing and the tropical fruit went well with the lightly seared tuna.

The Polynesian-style braised beef shortribs with smashed yucca, ginger, pineapple and serrano pepper were an instant must-order for the two of us. The meat was tender and easy to eat without a knife. The pineapples added a touch of sweetness to counterbalance the heaviness of the meat and the starchy yucca added a dimension creamy richness.The dessert special of the night was an upside down pineapple cake with salted caramel ice cream. The pineapple cake was pleasantly dense and studded with plenty of caramelized pineapples while the delicious ice cream lent its subtle salt to enhancing the cake.

Overall, it was definitely a hit with us and a great way to showcase the kitchen’s and bar’s talents while drawing in various crowds. I hope Local 149 does this event again soon because we are more ready to say Aloha again!

Local 149 on Urbanspoon

Disclaimer: We were invited to attend Tiki Week by Local 149 and Boston Food Blogs however all opinions remain our own.

Rooftop Pool, The Colonnade, Boston

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We have heard of many girlfriends throwing bachelorette parties and spa days at the Rooftop Pool at The Colonnade and enjoying concerts on the roof. While we were searching for an oasis in the city during staycation and the Rooftop Pool sounded like a great idea.

For $300/night, up to four guests per hotel room can enjoy the pool, but the rooftop pool is open to the public from Monday – Friday for a flat fee of $50 per person per full day and $25 per person from 3:00 PM until 8:00 pm. The pool is not open to the public weekend and holidays.

We were expecting an infinity pool, sleek and modern amenities. The website’s photos really make the roof space super sexy and the ultimate location. The lighting really makes the ambiance. Unfortunately, the partial carpeting may prevent injuries, but seemed outdated. 

The rooftop pool’s view of Boston’s Back Bay architecture and does make one feel you are not in the city.

Our friend was hoping for a swim up bar and found a cement enclosed bar. The upside was there are frozen and specialty drinks for $10 to $12 a pop. From mango based frozen cocktails to pina coladas, this made us feel like we were at a resort.

As long as patrons’ expectations are clear, that there will be some frozen drinks and relaxing sun will be had. Just fare warning,  some days patrons will be surrounded by children splashing in the pool and although the patio furniture is very Miami, the pool is a bit outdated.