Category: Places

Alden & Harlow: Dinner

We’re so excited to share this one with you guys. Alden & Harlow is one of our favorite restaurants in the area, and for good reason. Owned by Chef Michael Scelfo (previously the executive chef at Russell House Tavern), Alden & Harlow takes American food to a whole new level of delicious.

The restaurant opened in 2013 in the old Casablanca space in Harvard Square, Cambridge. The style is modern blended with vintage; a lot of wood, tile and leather tied together with funky wall signs. Beyond the doors, there is the bar – adorned with beautiful light fixtures and wooden structures. Once you walk past the bar there’s the main dining area, lined with soft booths and a generous view of the kitchen. (If you love watching cooks in action, reserve the high-top tables right alongside the shelves that line the kitchen for a great view. And if you ever get to eat at the chef’s table with the real front row seats, we’re very jealous).

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March 31, 2015
Tatte Bakery & Cafe

Tatte Bakery & Cafe was founded by Tzurit Or, who started by selling her baked goods at farmers markets in 2007, and opened the first Tatte in Brookline soon thereafter. We went to the Tatte on Third Street in Kendall Square, Cambridge for Sunday brunch. With a bright open space, long wooden tables, and funky chandelier, this Tatte’s rustic yet pseudo-industrial vibe fits in perfectly in Kendall Square.

One wall is all about retail, showcasing their cookies, biscotti, and tarts in beautiful bags and boxes. There’s a window on the back wall that lets you peek into their pastry kitchen, which is always exciting for a couple of kitchen nerds like us. Along this back wall there’s a long pastry case and counter which are abundantly stocked with cheesecake, tarts, croissants, brioche, baguettes, and other goodies. Along with the brunch menu, with items such as Croque Monsieur and a mezze plate, the food is decidedly European with a Mediterranean bent.

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March 13, 2015
Puritan & Company: Brunch

Inman Square, Massachusetts’ youthful and diverse neighborhood on the Cambridge-Somerville border, is full of great restaurants, bars, and specialty food shops. Some have been around for years, like East Coast Grill and Christina’s Ice Cream, while others come and go. Puritan & Company is a relatively new addition to the square. Upon opening its doors in late 2012, it was quickly recognized by critics for its high quality New England fare. Boston Magazine even named it Best Brunch in Boston for 2014. So of course we had to give it a try – with our fabulous friend Alison as our brunching buddy.

When we first walked in, our hunger and giddiness were quickly replaced with awe by the large cool interiors. Puritan & Co. has a generous seating space with lots of beautiful, natural lighting. The open kitchen is situated in the back of the restaurant next to the bountiful and tempting pastry counter. They have lovely bar seating as well with a generous wine list. Drink up!

As pastry lovers, we love seeing restaurants pay more attention to the sweet side of their menu. Puritan & Co. has a wide selection of pastries to please any palate, from croissants to banana bread. We ordered a basket of four: Boston cream doughnut, chocolate-hazelnut sourdough croissant, cinnamon monkey bread, and a dulce de leche and coconut danish. Although they were all very well executed, the Boston cream doughnut was the favorite: a fluffy dough generously filled with a not-too-sweet, lightened-up vanilla pastry cream. Alongside a cup of coffee, it was the perfect way to start the meal.
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October 23, 2014
Copley Square Farmers’ Market

Let’s get real and talk about our food. Let us pay respect to local farmers who grow their food with love and dedication.

We realize that it may be a bit late to talk about the farmers’ market now that fall is practically here, but it still isn’t over and it deserves as much attention as the warm weather would grant us. We love learning about what’s in season for New England and local farmers’ markets are a great way to interact with the people who are passionate and knowledgeable about their foods.

In New England, we have the privilege of weathering all four seasons and witness what the changing climates give us. As we head into fall, we can expect some lovely squash, potatoes, apples, and etc. Have a look around the market – it’s always bustling with excitement and a great place to discover new ingredients.

Here are a few of our favorite stands to visit and the items we are always excited to see: (more…)

September 4, 2014