Supporting the Women's Lunch Place at the Taste of the Back Bay

In the heart of Boston is a wonderful place. There, with flowers and cloth napkins on the tables, delicious food is served daily. Unlike most warm restaurants, though, the women who dine there don't pay. Because, you see, at the Women's Lunch Place, meals are served to homeless women and their children each day.
This past week, a lovely event offered the chance to both try some special dishes, to enjoy spectacular views and to support this fine organization. The Taste of the Back Bay, which took place on April 7th is both a fundraiser for the Women's Lunch Place and a chance to meet the Chefs from some of Boston's top restaurants. Whereas this year's Boston Magazine Taste event took place at the new 1 Marina Place, and the Taste of the Nation/Share Our Strength event will be at the Hynes, the joy of the Back Bay event was the chance to watch the sunset from the 50th floor of the Prudential. Despite being a life-long Bostonite, I have never been to the Skywalk at the Prudential and there is a joy to be had: 360 degrees of glorious views of the Boston.
Throughout the event where a range of wonderful dishes, wines and cocktails. My favorites of the night...From Asana (and pictured at the top of the post): Strawberry "Shortcake" or strawberry juice pearls, strawberries, sable crumble, vanilla cream and tiny meringues. This dish was refreshing and perfect for spring.
From Eastern Standard: Maine Crab Salad with Avocado Mousse and Mango Salsa. I loved the lightness of this dish. It tasted of pure crab, rather than being cloying with mayo as is often the case.

From Sorellina (pictured above), Crema Al Limone or lemon custard, rhubarb gelee and ginger cream. Sigh. I could have eaten the rosy pink gelee all night. It was tart and lush.

From Chef Sisca at Bistro du Midi, Goat Cheese Barbajuan with Provencal Honey. I admit that I had never heard of these Southern French style fried ravioli. At Bistro Du Midi, the Chef offers 3 daily, ranging from seasonal ones with pumpkin or courgettes and basil and, gasp, fois gras. But I thoroughly enjoyed this salty sweet treat.
Simple, but true: From Summer Shack, freshly shucked Cotuit Oysters.

From La Voile: The Soup de Poisson. This elegant soup was clean and comforting, tasting of gentle saffron and fish. The owners recommended dipping in aioli topped croutons into the broth. They also offered chicken liver mousse, olive tapenade and brie profiteroles.

Other treats:
Also from Asana: Sirloin Steak from PT Farms in Vermont with Strawberries and a Truffle Vinaigrette
From Market: Lobster Spring Rolls with Citrus-Chili Emulsion, Homemade Cherry Marshmallows and chewy Ovaltine (!) based caramels with peanuts and popcorn.
From Pairings, Niman Ranch braised pork with smoked pork shoulder braised beans and grilled napa cabbage slaw.
From Via Matta, a trio of crostini with tuna, apple butter and crispy capers; Scottish salmon with blood orange, crispy lentils and mint and my favorite, fluke with jalapeno jam and grapes.
From Sel de La Terre: Veal Cheek Rillettes with Pickled Rhubarb, Pancetta Crumbs and Fresh Herbs
From L'Espalier: Lamb Terrine with Rhubarb Foam and Cauliflower Piccalilli
From Top of the Hub: Braised Pork Belly, Mongolian BBQ Sauce, Peanut Brittle and Enoke Mushrooms

From Brasserie Jo: Slow Cooked Kobe Beef Cheek with Choucroute Cabbage, Brioche Bun and Remoulade Sauce
From Lucca: Homemade Mortadella, Focaccia, Agro Dolce Syrup, Arugula, and eggplant Tapenade

From 94 Mass Ave: A Truffled Mac and Cheese

From Deuxave: Steak Tartare

From Da Vinci, Chef Peppino's Punjabi Arancini with Green Apple Cumin Chutney

From Cafeteria: Pulled Pork Sandwich, Salsa Verde and Mexican Cole Slaw
From Lolita Cocina and Tequila Bar: Scrumptious Cornbread and Tuna on Tortillas
There was even more-chowder from Legal Seafoods, Chicken Tikka Masala from Kashmir, and Vegee Surmai from Mumbai Chopsticks. You could also sample wine and even a beer made from, yes, Island Creek Oysters!
The sunset over Boston. The views were even more gorgeous. Finally, if you want to support the Women's Lunch Place in the near future, they have a wonderful Mother's Day fundraiser each year. Just check out their website and you can purchase beautiful Mother's Day cards. The best part? The money goes directly to the Women's Lunch Place.

I was lucky to be invited to the Taste of the Back Bay this year. But between the atmosphere, the dishes and the cause, I plan to return next year.

Another Chance to Enjoy Coppa

My long week began to alleviate with a morning visit to the Museum of Fine Arts. But the day got far better as I sat down at Coppa for brunch. (Just as it is far easier to find parking near the MFA on a Sunday morning, same in the South End.) Though Jamie Bissonnette recently won Food and Wine Magazine's "2011 People's Best New Chef" award, there were even tables at 11:30. And, how very lucky for me. This brunch both reminded me of the joys of eating at Coppa (I first had dinner there just over a year ago) and the pleasure of a truly good meal.

I began with an Aperol Spritz. Molly of the blog, Orangette had persuaded me to try this French Apertif, and, in fact, it hit the spot. I followed that with another treat-one of Jamie Bissonnette's house made charcuterie.

I enjoyed thin slices of homemade porchetta. As my ever patient waitress explained, Bissonnette takes all the extra parks of the pig and creates a sausage of sorts. They then mix it with pistachios and slow roast it. What arrives is porky, meaty goodness trimmed with thin, succulent fat.

However, the highlight of my meal was my "Uova in Camicia." What arrived was a heavenly combination of 3 things. First, eggs that were poached slowly so that the whites and yolk were all perfectly tender. Part of the joy was the trio of chopped chives, chopped and sauteed garlic and pimenton d'esplette that anointed the top. Ultimately the eggs were just perfect to ooze slowly over the nutty, cheesy and absolutely decadent buckwheat polenta. Then, on the side, house made bacon, sliced thick and salty to eat over buttery toast. The polenta was so good that I have been determined to recreate it at home...or at least a semblance thereof!

This visit convinced me once again of the joy of this place. What I love most? The incredible care that goes into each dish. But I also love that there is so much more on the menu that I can return for.

Coppa Boston, 253 Shawmut Ave, Boston, 617-391-0902

A New Perspective: The Art of the Americas Wing at the MFA (and their Multimedia Guide)

When I crave art, I head to the Portland Museum of Art, the RISD Museum in Providence, The Isabella Stuart Gardner or the DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum. In these more intimate museums, natural light pours in and you can appreciate what they have to offer. In the past, while I enjoyed seeing the masterpieces at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, they were often muddied, for me at least, in cramped spaces and shadows.

So, I carefully tracked the opening of the new Art of the Americas Wing. I was smitten on a first visit after it opened. However, the crowds overpowered the loveliness. I was, then, appreciative of the chance to go back care of BzzAgent. And this time BzzAgent also gave me a pass to try the MFA's new Multimedia Guide.

Both times I was torn about the main courtyard. On the one hand it seems like a space more designed for receptions than a museum, however, the high ceiling makes it an easy place to rest, to get a cup of coffee or to plan a next stop. The adjacent Art of the Americas wing is organized chronologically, with the most contemporary art on the top floor.

(Cesar Paternosto, Staccato, from the MFA)

And that floor is my most favorite. There you are greeted by Pollock and Calder. And in the back: two glorious works by Cesar Paternosto. On my first visit, I just stared at the colors and swirls. On my second visit, I enjoyed the ability to use the Multimedia guide to learn more about Paternosto and to watch a short video of him seeing his works on display at the MFA. Each floor of the Wing has gems, from beautiful textiles to the actual wood beams of a 17th century home to Mayan and Andean art to models of whaling ships.

While I prefer to absorb art visually, I will say that the Multimedia Guide was a wonderful source of information. Each art had different options. So, for some works you could get a curator's interpretation, while for others you could learn the historic and artistic context of the work.

I made this trip solo, but I hope to return to the MFA with my young sons. Although my kids are now 3 and 5, the MFA offers so many chances for kids to enjoy the museum. The Multimedia Guide has selections that would be great for older children. But as you enter the Courtyard, each Sunday there is a "Family Cart" filled with activities for kids of all ages. As I was at the museum I also passed young children clearly enjoying an MFA art class and bending wire to create Calder-like-esque creations.

For a great look at bringing young kids to the new Wing, check out Seth's awesome blog here. Or click here to get directly to the MFA's ideas for bringing the kids.

A few last tips: The MFA opens on Sunday's at 10 am. If you can, be in the neighborhood at about 9:45 and there is a likely chance you will find free parking. Better still there will be some semblance of quiet at the museum until the crowds pick up at 11 or 12. If you go after April 10th, you can also check out a fabulous looking exhibit by Dale Chihuly using glass. Finally, while you can eat at the MFA, I recommend checking out my up-coming post on one of my hand's down favorites, Coppa, which has an amazing brunch.

The Museum of Fine Arts (Including the Art of the Americas Wing and the Multimedia Guide)

THE Soup: Tom Yum Noodle Soup at Lemon Thai in Wellesley

By the end of a work week, I need a hearty lunch. By the end of a week making lunch for my kids, I need someone to make lunch for me. And while I had always enjoyed the food at the little Lemon Thai Cuisine in Wellesley, Rod Dee had spoiled me for incredible and authentic Thai food. However, last year I discovered a gem hidden in the menu. Past the soups, in the "Noodles" section, was an offer of "Tom Yum Noodle Soup." The menu lists it as "choice of ground chicken or ground pork, sweet and spicy flavor thai noodle soup with ground peanut."

And what arrives at your table? A massive bowl with the most intoxicating and haunting aroma. The broth is rich and tastes of hints of lime, chilis and hints of sweetness. The massive bowl is full of noodles and your choice of ground meat. It is then topped with fresh cilantro, shallots and bean sprouts. Most people could easily spread this over two meals. I, though, devour it in one sitting, slurping the elixar. Ultimately, this soup is just addictive and I now crave it weekly.

A few tips: be clear when you order that you want the Tom Yom Noodle Soup. There is a Tom Yum soup that is a simple appetizer and misses the glory of the soup. If you order the soup for take out, they will deliver it with the noodles in one container and the broth in another. Eat it soon, so the cold vegetables retain their texture against the warm broth.

And, of course, let me know what you think!

Lemon Thai Cuisine, 555 Washington Street, Wellesley, 781-237-6996

One Appetizer, Two...and Stew at Korea Garden

I was barely seated at Korea Garden on Harvard Street in Allston, when the waitress brought me a cup of tea. And 12 appetizers. No joke. Known as banchan, I have never eaten at Korean restaurant that offered this range of little dishes. And, the waitress even checked with me that I liked the assortment! I tried each of the following (and all served with silver chopsticks): Pickled bean sprouts, Pickled garlicy garlic scapes, Spinach, steamed and served cold, Seaweed, Spicy daikon, Kimchi, Hot dogs with chilis!, Slices of sweet fish cake, Chewy anchovies, Spicy parsley, Sweet potato stems. And yes, this is all included.My main dish was divine. Soon Doobu comes in a hot dish served with a raw egg to be cracked into the molten soup, thickening it instantly. The stew itself is full of soft tofu, bits of zucchini, and, by my choice, chunks of pork. They all rest in the spicy, yet soothing broth, ready to be scooped up with white rice. This may not be everyone’s comfort food. But it is mine. And if this is a taste of Korea Garden, I will soon be back.

Korea Garden, 122 Harvard Ave, Allston

It Is That Good: Bon Chon

When I was little, I was not a fan of having a babysitter. However, there was a twist-on some of those nights my father would pick up a bucket of, yes, KFC. While I haven't been near one in a good 25 years, I can still smell that mixture of fat, spices and chicken. So, when I heard about the Korean fried chicken chain, Bon Chon, I couldn't wait to try it. But the original Bon Chon closed. Then it reopened, and, on a recent night, my friend Kiersten and I went to see what it was about. Our waitress helped to steer us to a range of tastes and by the end we were full and content.

We sampled:

"Rice Cake Skewars": First, ignore the menu. They list these as "deep fried rice cakes." In fact, what you get are chewy, pillowy Korean rice cakes that are actually pan-seared. Served on skewars, they resemble savory toasted marshmallows with a sweet, warm sauce. If you enjoy Dok Boki (also known as Tteokbokki), you will love these.

Corn Butter-We tried this based on a positive review from the Boston Globe. That being said, we were both a bit hesitant about a mixture of corn, crabmeat, tobiko and cheese. After a few bites, we both grinned happily at this ridiculously good comfort food. Think sweet, warm, nutty, yummy.

Pork Belly Shiyaki-This was fine. It consisted of thin slices of pork, served on a garlicy sauce with scallions. It was served lukewarm and just wasn't as memorable as the other dishes.

And, of course, the chicken, pictured at the top of the post. You can get strips (really huge slices of white meat chicken), wings (as in wings and drumettes) or drumsticks. You also get to choose between soy garlic and spicy. I loved both versions as the meat was juicy and the skin was crispy and flavorful. The spicy version is not only hot, but it is the subtle kind of heat that kicks in after a few minutes. The pickled daikon radish and thick cole slaw helped to temper the heat. The soy garlic version was just as tasty.

The place is friendly, inexpensive and the menu has enough variety to bring us back. Though, truth be told, we may just return for the chicken and corn!

Bon Chon, 123 Brighton Ave, Boston/Allston; 617-254-8888

A Toast To Taste of the Nation and Share Our Strength

(All photos courtesy of Share Our Strength)

In one night, you could:

• Try food from the following incredible restaurants and stores: 606 Congress, Abby Park, Alden Park, Ashmont Grill, Athans, Brasserie Jo, Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, CLINK, Davios, Del Frisco's, Erbaluce, Finale, Gargoyles on the Square, Glutenus Minimus, Haley House Bakery Cafe, Hamersley's Bistro, Kick Ass Cupcakes, La Morra, Mantra, Mela, North 26, Pairings, Posto, Redbones, Regal Beagle, Rialto, Sandrines, Silvertone, Stella, Tavolo, Tremont 647 & Sister Sorel, Trina's Starlight Lounge, Whole Foods Market, Zocalo & Andale Mexican Grill
• Try drinks from wonderful wineries and sample fabulous cocktails
• Take part in a silent auction
• Listen to live entertainment
• And, the best part, you will be helping to raise money for Share Our Strength a national organization that works to prevent hunger in children. Some of the local organizations that benefit from this event include the Greater Boston Food Bank, Project Bread/Walk for Hunger and Food for Free Committee.

After attending the glorious Taste event that was offered by Boston Magazine back in November, I was honored to be offered a chance to attend this year's Share our Strength Taste of the Nation Boston. And, in fact, as soon as I started researching the event and the organization Share Our Strength, I am hoping others will join me in eating fabulous food and supporting such a critical organization.

Other details:

The event will take place on Thursday, April 14 at the Hynes Convention Center from 6:30 to 9:30 (with a VIP reception at 5:30). The cost is $90 in advance/ $100 at the door for General Admission or $150 advance/ $160 at the door for VIP. To purchase tickets, call 1-877-26-TASTE or visit www.strength.org/boston or www.TasteoftheNation.org