hello!
Hello lovely people! I just wanted to say THANK YOU for all of your kind responses to my first few blog posts. This has been such a fun way to connect and build a new platform, and I’m so happy you’re all on the journey with me!
So with that - thank you and let me know what you want to see in the future! This is for all of you and I want to make sure my content is interesting and helpful.
today’s topic: Boston’s best date night spots
Cheers to date night! I love giving restaurant recommendations for any occasion, and this is one that’s commonly requested. So here are a few of my favorite Boston restaurants to visit for whatever date night vibe you’re looking for!
For an anniversary/special occasion: Rare (Everett, inside Encore Boston Harbor) or Mooo (multiple locations; I’ve been to Beacon Hill) - Both high-end, truly spectacular steakhouses. I couldn’t decide on just one! Be ready to eat & drink your heart out - app, entree, sides, dessert, cocktails. Plus, both restaurants feel like they’re anywhere but Boston. A mini-vacation!
Mooo must-orders: bone marrow, bananas foster
Rare must-orders: french onion soup, mac & cheese, baked Alaska
For a first date: Prima (Charlestown) - I’m slowly making my way through the Charlestown food scene and this has been one of my favorites so far! It’s a new addition to the neighborhood, located in City Square & owned by Broadway Restaurant Group (think Capo). If you want a more romantic feel, try out the Rose Room - as the name suggests, it’s decked out in floral decor and has a beautiful ambiance. You can’t go wrong here!
My order: fusilli alla vodka & a glass of red wine
For a casual date: Locale (North End) - For me, this is the perfect date night spot at any point in your relationship timeline. It’s not high-end, but it’s also not fast food; it’s a lovely sit down spot and their pizzas are truly so good. You can’t go wrong with the North End, and I feel like this is kind of an undiscovered gem in the neighborhood! Perfect for a reliable Italian dinner that’s not over-the-top.
My order: eggplant rollatini & margherita pizza
For a blind date: Next Door Speakeasy (East Boston) - I just love the idea of choosing a speakeasy for a blind date. It’s a small interior (so for practical reasons, you’d find your date pretty quickly) and their cocktail menu is incredibly unique. Think things being lit on fire, served on black ice, etc. Their food menu is excellent as well - and I hear they have a fabulous brunch, if that’s more your speed!
My order: love language cocktail & mini ahi tuna tacos
For a daytime date: Ciao Roma (North End) - this is another one of my favorite North End spots. Their brunch and dinner options are delicious and the place is beautifully decorated, with pink accents and two floors of seating overlooking the North End’s cobblestone streets. Plus, you can take a leisurely walk through the neighborhood after your brunch!
My order: eggs benedict & an espresso martini
For a double date: Barcelona Wine Bar (South End) - Great food, great wine, great vibes. Have never had something here I haven’t liked. (Also, it kind of turns into a club at night on the weekends…take the double date to a new level!)
My order: everything…but especially the patatas bravas, croquetas, olive oil cake & sangria
Honorable mentions: Tony & Elaine’s (North End), Aquitaine (South End), Coppa (South End), Toscano (Beacon Hill), Via Cannuccia (Dorchester)
recipe of the week
It may be approaching fall, but some summer staples deserve to last a little longer. This Tuscan pasta salad is one - it’s a total staple in my rotation and its ingredients are available year-round. Don’t skip it!
Tuscan Pasta Salad
30 minutes plus chilling time; serves 6-8 as a side
Ingredients:
For the pasta salad base:
16 oz fresh pasta (I like fusilli)
3/4 cup sun-dried or slow-roasted tomatoes
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup kalamata olives, halved
3 oz capers
1.5 cup spinach
handful of basil, chopped
3/4 cup mini mozzarella pearls
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
For the dressing:
3/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp white vinegar
2 tbsp water
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
2 tsp minced garlic
black pepper to taste
For serving:
Balsamic glaze
Grated parmesan cheese
Fresh basil leaves
Preparation:
Cook pasta according to package directions; drain in a colander & rinse with cold water.
In the bottom of a large bowl, combine dressing ingredients.
Whisk in pasta until coated with dressing.
Stir in remainder of ingredients until coated with dressing.
Portion out pasta salad; top with balsamic glaze, grated parmesan & fresh basil, and serve!
current obsession
I recently partnered with Le Cadeaux and absolutely love their melamine dishes - the designs are gorgeous and the dishes are this perfect unbreakable (but still super high-quality) material. Their Toscana and Mallorca collections are gorgeous! All their designs are inspired by beautiful destinations. Try them out!!
Use code KAIT20 for 20% off your order (cannot be combined with other offers)!
what’s next?
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What’s up next:
A girls’ weekend in Charleston, SC
Dinner party ideas
My kitchen essentials
And so much more…let me know what else you’d like to see in a comment below!
See ya next week,
Kaitlyn | The Pantry Potluck ♡
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