News & Events – Page 2

Mediterranean Small Plates Coming September 29

Published on September 21, 2016September 21, 2016 by The Crimson CraveLeave a comment

By Bovey Rao ‘19

Logo from En Boca Website

From the creators of two popular Irish pubs, En Boca is a Mediterranean small plates concept that will be opening in the space that was formerly occupied by Sandrine’s Bistro. Near the construction of the Smith Campus Center, En Boca hopes to open on September 29. Classic Restaurant Concepts manages the Asgard in Cambridge and the Kinsale in Boston and is entering Harvard Square with a drastically different restaurant model. With wine on draft and a focus on small plates, En Boca aims to provide an alternative dining destination with a similar model to Alden and Harlow.

EnBocaMenu_V5a.indd — Photo from Boston Magazine

The head chef, Devin Broo, has an impressive resume as he worked at Restaurant Daniel, a former three Michelin Star restaurant (currently has 2 Michelin Stars), Bar Boulud in Boston, and the Elm Restaurant in Connecticut. His menu covers a wide variety of Mediterranean cuisines with connections to Spain and Greece. While classic small plates like patatas bravas (hot potatoes), bacalou croquettes (codfish cakes), and wood grilled octopus line the menu, there are many intriguing dishes like byrek (spinach pie), stuffed baby squid, and slow poached arctic char. In addition to the small plates, there are larger shared dishes like an Acadian redfish baked in clay.

En Boca will focus on serving dinner on the opening date, but it hopes to eventually expand with a lunch and brunch program.

I am looking forward to visiting En Boca in the near future and sampling a wide variety of small plates, while lamenting at the fact that I cannot explore their wine program.

[Boston Magazine]

Tatte Bakery & Café Slated for October 4

Published on September 21, 2016September 21, 2016 by The Crimson CraveLeave a comment

By Bovey Rao ‘19

As reported by Eater, the Harvard Square Tatte Bakery & Café is projected to open on October 4^th, 2016. While opening much later than originally anticipated, the store will be the largest of the Tatte Bakery & Café chain that is present throughout Boston. With the wood paneling finally dismantled, we are given a glimpse of the storefront as it is being painted. It is beginning to resemble the other branches of Tatte with clean, white paneling and a modern, industrial café vibe. Armed with a new Bongard oven and two floors of space, Tatte looks to fill the void of Panera Bread and then some.

The first floor will house the kitchen and have numerous seating areas from a communal dining space to a banquette and lounges. This may appeal to students seeking a place to relax or have casual conversations while they enjoy coffee and pastries. Otherwise, this may be a new destination for business coffee chats in a well-lit, comfortable environment. On the second floor, there will be a coffee bar and an open kitchen space. The owner and founder of Tatte, Tzurit Or, mentioned that cooking and baking classes will be offered a few times a month. Therefore, the opportunity to learn how to make their excellent pear tarts or savory moussaka may be coming in the future.

While I may be patiently waiting for Tatte to open, the large delay in projected opening date has been unfortunate and has deprived Harvard students from dining outside of the D-Hall.

[Eater]

Welcome Back to Harvard! Here’s What’s Happening

Published on September 1, 2016September 2, 2016 by The Crimson CraveLeave a comment

By Bovey Rao ‘19

As the summer draws to a close, many may be wondering what on earth has happened to Harvard Square. Many beloved restaurants perished with the remodeling of the Smith Center. Student favorites like Al’s are now gone, so our stomachs may be running a little on empty. A few other promises of summer openings were left unfulfilled, but this guide is perhaps a glimmer of hope for what has and will come to Harvard Square.

Completed

Tom’s Bao Bao – Chinese steamed buns, baozi, are the specialty of Tom’s Bao Bao. Various unique fillings are enveloped by airy white dough before being steamed to perfection. From the upscale lobster to the decadent chili beef, there are plenty of excellent options for a quick meal or snack. While slightly pricey, Tom’s Bao Bao is a great addition to Harvard Square for the adventurous student.

Waypoint – Alden & Harlow is not only one of my favorite restaurants in Harvard Square but is one of my favorites in all of Boston. Michael Scelfo, the chef behind Alden & Harlow, recently opened a seafood restaurant, Waypoint, near Harvard Square. Following a similar small plate concept, Waypoint will hopefully become another Boston staple as it opened with excitement.

Upcoming

B. Good Google Maps — Image from Google Maps

B.Good – One of the favorite destinations for students seeking a healthier alternative to fast-food, B.Good was missed when it closed due to the Smith Center renovations. However, it is scheduled to return in a short while at the former O Sushi space. The fresh burgers, salads, and fries are things to look forward to in the near future.

En Boca – Mediterranean flavors are coming to Harvard Square from En Boca, a restaurant by the team from The Asgard and The Kinsale. Deviating from their other Irish pubs, Classic Restaurants Concepts is creating En Boca with Devin Broo from Bar Boulud. Originally slated to open in August 2016, the restaurant appears to be close to opening.

DavidsTea – DavidsTea is a tea store that was started in Canada and has begun expanding into the United States. With other locations in Massachusetts, DavidsTea specializes in various tea related products from teas themselves to mugs and other accessories. The store is slated to finish in September 2016.

Image from The Hourly Oyster House

The Hourly Oyster House – In the former Kennedy’s on the Square space, the Grafton Group is creating an oyster bar known as the Hourly. With well-established restaurants like Russell House Tavern, Park Restaurant, and Grafton Street, the Grafton Group continues to expand their empire with a seafood specialty restaurant in Harvard Square. It promises to provide extensive take-out options, perfect for students in a hurry. The Hourly is looking to open in early fall 2016.

Tatte Bakery & Café – It is obvious that I am a fan of Tatte Bakery and Café and perhaps was one of few students who was happy when Panera closed. Tatte will bring their fresh pastries and other delicacies to Harvard Square with a weekend brunch menu and cooking lessons. The space is currently under construction and hopefully will be opening in September.

Sweetgreen – A large salad chain started by a group of Georgetown graduates is coming to Harvard Square. With the success of Sweetgreen in Back Bay, the chain planned to expand extensively in the Boston area. Highlighting local purveyors like Iggy’s Bread and Ward’s Berry Farm, Sweetgreen is bringing accessible farm to table to the square. Look for it to open in the fall.

Image of Rialto from Forbes Travel Guide

Benedetto – With the closure of Rialto, Harvard Square lost one of its long-term residents. After providing upscale Italian cuisine to the community for over twenty years, the restaurant did not wish to continue after the departure of chef Jody Adams. Giulia chef and owner, Michael Pagliarini, plans to open Benedetto in the Rialto space, which I believe to be an exciting transition. Giulia has garnered stellar reviews, and hopefully Benedetto maintains the legacy of Rialto. The current opening date is ambiguously set in fall 2016.

Flour Bakery + Café – Harvard graduate and star baker (James Beard Awardee), Joanne Chang, is bringing her Flour Bakery + Café to Harvard Square. From the famous sticky buns to excellent sandwiches, Flour has become a Boston staple, and it was great news to hear that one is coming to Harvard Square. The Harvard Square branch is projected to open in October 2016.

Island Creek Oyster Bar Taste Savant — Image of Island Creek Oyster Bar from Taste Savant

Restaurant from Island Creek Oyster Bar/Row 34 – While the opening date remains the most distant, I simply wish to show my excitement for another restaurant by this group. Island Creek Oyster Bar is my favorite seafood restaurant in Boston after numerous memorable experiences. I look forward to what concept will be devised.

Featured Image from Wikimedia

Mei Mei Pops Up at Shepard: Shepard and Mei Mei Team Up for Dim Sum Brunch

Published on April 11, 2016 by br126Leave a comment

By Bovey Rao ‘19

What exactly is a pop-up restaurant? Most people do not know this terminology, as they are a relatively new development. Pop-up restaurants are when kitchens are lent out to other restaurants or chefs for temporary residence. While this seems like an extravagant venture, many great restaurants (Mission Chinese, NYC) have emerged from pop-ups, and many great restaurants (Aliena, Chicago) have hosted pop-up sessions. Usually, the menu is specially prepared for each individual session. Thus, when I heard that Mei Mei was hosting a pop-up at the nearby Shepard, I quickly booked a reservation.

Entering Shepard, we were greeted by the two teams and were seated after a brief wait. Glancing at the menu, I was immediately drawn to the unique fusion dishes. However, glancing at other tables, I noticed that the portions were a little small and ordered accordingly. After we ordered a long list of various dim sum dishes, I waited excitedly for our mix of buns, dumplings, and vegetables.

The dry aged lamb buns were a delicacy with complex savory notes of Chinese five-spice. While incredibly soft and moist, the order only came with three relatively small buns, which was unfortunate for my party of four individuals. Later, we would discover this applied to most dishes we ordered. The corned beef and xo dumplings similarly had rich, savory flavors, but texturally the shredded beef was not the most appealing. As the dishes continuously arrived, I enjoyed the mildly spicy beef tendon. The gelatinous texture melded perfectly with the crisp skin that garnished the dish.

Still insatiated, I salivated as stuffed chicken wings and Carolina gold rice were placed at the table. Chicken wings filled with a smooth chicken mousse with a sweet glaze proved to be one of the highlights of the brunch. While rice may seem to be a peculiar dish to order, Carolina gold rice is a specific breed that garners significant national attention for its flavor. Anson Mills, a seed restoration group, found and revived this heritage breed and distributes it to many of the United States best restaurants (notably, Husk). Thus, I was excited to see them on the menu with a soy butter. While it may not taste empirically different, I had a profound appreciation of the crop, which may have altered my perception of the dish.

After these courses, we added rounds of cabbage, leek, brined duck egg dumplings, lily shoots, and lo bok go, parsnip cakes. Dark green dumplings quickly reached the table, and we dived in. Freshly steamed, the dough was stickier than I was normally accustomed to but were appropriate to hold the looser filling. While the lo bok go were respectable, the accompanying fermented black beans were truly delicious. A light acidity complemented the natural creaminess, and I snacked on them thorough the meal. My favorite dish of the day was actually the lily shoots with fried shallots. Dark soy sauce provided the perfect salinity for the chewy but smooth shoots. I honestly was tempted to order more sets of lily shoots with rice but instead settled with the select dessert courses.

The fried sesame balls and egg custard tarts proved to be elevated versions, but nothing that truly affected me. Delicious and simple, we enjoyed them as a solid finish to the meal. Overall, I was slightly disappointed with the size of the dim sum and the unequal portions for the table. I expected that they could accommodate a table of 4, since that is a standard party number. Regardless, the dishes proved to be soundly delicious with a few notable standouts. Mei Mei is arguably one of the most important restaurants in Boston, and I am glad they decided to come nearby. Hopefully, they will return soon with yet another nuanced menu. Shepard is one of the newest restaurants in Cambridge, and I hope people will join them for dinner one day.

Shepard

Location: 1 Shepard St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Reservation: OpenTable or Call (617)-714-5295

Mei Mei

Location: 506 Park Dr, Boston, MA 02215

Reservation: Reserve or Call (857)-250-4959

Stand-Out Dishes: Lily Shoots, Carolina Gold Rice, Stuffed Chicken Wings

Overall Rating: 4/5

Food: 4/5

Service: 3.5/5

Atmosphere (Shepard): 5/5

Feel free to contact the writer at boveyrao@college.harvard.edu with food musings, dining requests, or any restaurant advice!

With Panera Closing, Tatte Bakery Steps In

Published on March 2, 2016March 2, 2016 by br1262 Comments

by Bovey Rao ‘19

Oh, Panera, you never really meant that much to me… While for some students Panera is a staple, I’ve never been the biggest fan of ‘commercialized’ foods. My friends can attest to the fact that I frequently voice my distaste for chains like Chipotle, Panera, and Au Bon Pain. Ok, you might think this is all a bunch of food snobbery, but for me, the problem is not the flavor of the food, but the principle of it.

While these businesses advertise non-GMO, pesticide and antibiotic free food, what does that really mean? Are we not falling for the same trap of the previous generation that was promised fast, convenient, and cheap food? We are becoming numb to what is out there in the world of food, and falling into the trap of buzzwords and catchphrases. I’ll be honest: when Panera closed, I smiled. When I found out what replaced it, my smile only widened.

Tatte Bakery and Café is a homegrown Boston bakery and café with numerous branches throughout the city from Kendall Square to Brookline. They serve a wide range of Middle Eastern dishes and pastries as well as the more traditional café fare. From a small stand at Boston farmer’s markets to five established and beloved bakeries, Tatte has proven to be a Boston success story. And it all started with one person, owner Tzurit Or.

tzurit-330x295 — Tzurit Or, from Tatte’s website

Tzurit grew up in Israel and learned traditional baking techniques from her mother. After years of working as a film producer, she realized her true calling in life was baking. She picked up her belongings and moved to Boston, where she started baking from her kitchen. Starting at local farmer’s markets, her carefully crafted pastries received rave reviews. The rest is history.

Delicious various pastries (buttery croissants, fluffy popovers, rich morning buns)

As you probably guessed, a new Tatte Bakery and Café location will be opening in the space previously occupied by Panera Bread. I could barely contain my excitement when I heard this news. A locally-operated business replacing a national chain? It was music to my ears. However, I do humbly applaud Panera for their business model and their care for the customer.

In early February, Panera Bread purchased a majority stake in Tatte Bakery and Café, but will allow them to run independently. This funding allowed Tatte Bakery to fill the Panera space and reach a new audience of (I hope at least) excited and hungry Harvard students. While construction may take some time (it opens in summer according to a manager at the Main Street Tatte Bakery and Café), it is an addition that is sorely needed. As I sip my café au lait and enjoy my pistachio-filled, baklava-esque croissant, I cannot help but think:

Goodbye Panera; Welcome home Tatte.

A selection of tasteful shots from Tatte Bakery and Café on Main Street and all the ‘yum’ that is to come:

Don’t fret, they have a full menu as well.

Meringue Clouds and Cookies from your dreams.

Warm and Comforting Ambiance despite the rain.

Popovers from your dreams

Confectionary (Clafoutis, Cheesecake, Tarts, Parfaits)

*Note: The straight croissant is a sign that means it was made with butter. Curved croissants usually have margarine or an alternative form of fat.

Update: Eater provided exciting information with an email from Tzurit Or.

Dine Out Boston: Starter Kit

Published on March 2, 2016March 7, 2016 by br126Leave a comment

By Bovey Rao ’19

The city of Boston is a great place to find an eclectic and engaging dining experience. Home to some of the oldest restaurants in America–and some of the hippest new bars–, Boston has a diverse and incredible food scene for any palette and budget. From March 6-11 and 13-18, 2016, Boston will offer its hungry masses two weeks of good-eating. It’s called Dine Out Boston (formerly called Restaurant Week), an event organized by the city of Boston with the goal to make restaurant dining more economical for two mouth-watering weeks. Enjoy two or three course meals at some of Boston’s finest restaurants (Lunch $15/$20/$25, Dinner $28/$33/$38). While I encourage looking through all 169 restaurants participating, here are some of my recommendations.

Note: You are strongly encouraged to make a reservation at the restaurant, whether by calling, booking through OpenTable, or using the Dine Out website.

I Sea Food – Boston’s prime location (i.e. by the Atlantic Ocean) means that fresh seafood is always close and convenient, so don’t miss out!

afco-slide21 — Photo Courtesy of Atlantic Fish Company

Atlantic Fish Company – 761 Boylston Street, Lunch: $25
Mare – 135 Richmond Street, Dinner: $33
SELECT Oyster Bar – 50 Gloucester Street, Lunch: $25
Union Oyster House* – 41 Union Street, Lunch: $25, Dinner: $38
Oceanaire Seafood Room – 40 Court Street, Lunch: $25, Dinner: $38

Best of the North End – The Historic North End is known nationally for its authentic Italian food, and some of their best restaurants are participating this year:

terramiabeetsalad — Photo Courtesy of Terramia Ristorante

Bricco – 241 Hannover Street, Dinner: $33
Mamma Maria – 3 North Square, Dinner: $38
Nico – 417 Hannover Street, Dinner: $38
Terramia Ristorante – 98 Salem Street, Dinner: $33
Tresca – 233 Hanover Street, Lunch: $25, Dinner: $38

Italian outside the North – While the North End boasts some pretty impressive Italian fare, other exceptional Italian joints are scattered all over Boston.

Da Vinci – 162 Columbus Avenue, Dinner: $38
Davio’s – 75 Arlington Street, Lunch: $25 Dinner: $38
Grotto – 37 Bowdoin Street, Lunch: $25 Dinner: $33
Scampo – 215 Charles Street, Lunch: $25

Je Suis Francais – French food has a strong showing this year, with many past and current winners of Best French Boston participating in Dine Out Boston.

twfood — T.W. Food Photo Courtesy of Boston Magazine

Bastille Kitchen – 49 Melcher Street, Dinner: $38
Bistro du Midi – 272 Boylston Street, Dinner: $38
Gaslight – 560 Harrison Avenue, Dinner: $33
T.W. Food – 377 Walden Street, Dinner: $38
La Voile – 261 Newbury Street, Lunch: $25 Dinner: $38
Ma Maison – 272 Cambridge Street, Lunch: $20 Dinner: $33

Something’s at Steak – Do you have a beef with someone? Resolve it at one of the many great steakhouses in Boston!

bg_steak_0861 — Photo Courtesy of Grill 23

Boston Chops – 1375 Washington Street, Dinner: $38
Capital Grille – 900 Boylston Street, Lunch: $25, Dinner: $38
Grill 23 & Bar – 161 Berkley Street, Dinner: $38
STRIP by Strega – 64 Arlington Street, Lunch: $20, Dinner: $38

Somewhere Beyond the Sea – Other countries exist besides Italy and France, I promise, and they have delicious offerings as well.

24dinpic17 — Bronwyn Photo Courtesy of Boston Magazine

Bronwyn – German, 255 Washington Street, Dinner: $33
Oishii Boston – Japanese, 1166 Washington Street, Lunch: $20/$30
Q Restaurant – Chinese (Hotpot), 660 Washington Street, Lunch: $20, Dinner: $33
Estragon – Spanish, 700 Harrison Avenue, Dinner: $33

‘Murica has Food Too! – Why is it so hard to describe American food…?

bospar-omni-parker-house-food-12 — Photo Courtesy of Parker’s

Courtyard Restaurant – 700 Boylston Street, Lunch: $20
Kitchen – 560 Tremont Street, Dinner: $28
Parker’s** – 60 School Street, Lunch: $25 Dinner: $38

Nearby Dining – If you feel like leaving Harvard Square is too much of a chore, fear not! A number of restaurants nearby are participating.

monkfish-sandwich_crop-562x295 — Photo Courtesy of Henrietta’s Table

Beat Brasserie – 13 Brattle Street, Lunch: $25
Grafton Street – 1230 Mass Avenue, Dinner: $28
Harvest – 44 Brattle Street, Lunch: $25, Dinner: $38
Henrietta’s Table- 1 Bennett Street, Lunch: $25, Dinner: $33
Park Restaurant – 59 JFK Street, Dinner: $28
Rialto – 1 Bennett Street, Dinner: $38
Russell House Tavern- 14 JFK Street, Dinner: $28
Temple Bar- 1688 Massachusetts Avenue, Dinner: $28
Toscano Harvard Square – 47 Charles Street, Lunch: $20, Dinner: $38

*One of the oldest restaurants in America with frequent visits from presidential candidates.

** Original creator of the Boston Cream Pie

Theory Kitchen: A Dining Experience Unlike Any Other

Published on February 29, 2016October 31, 2016 by The Crimson CraveLeave a comment

by Caroline Gentile ’17

On a recommendation from my blockmate, I decided to escape the Harvard bubble and attend a pop-up dinner at an apartment in Central Square, hosted by Theory Kitchen.

After a cursory Google search of Theory Kitchen, I learned that the founder, Theo Friedman, is a recent Tufts grad with a passion for experimental cooking. While he was a student at Tufts, Friedman hosted several pop-up dinners and taco nights with the help of fellow students. In fact, for his senior thesis, he made a 20-course meal to highlight how the industrial food system disconnects diners and the people who make their food. After graduating, Theo took to operating Theory Kitchen full time, hosting pop-up dinners all over New England. No two dinners are the same; the menu and location change every time.

I knew this was going to be good. Anyone who finds time to cook anything, let alone a full gourmet meal, while in college must have a true passion for it! And Theo’s passion certainly translated into skill.

Although Google told me that Friedman was only 22-years-old, upon walking into the apartment, I was surprised to see someone so close to my age prepping an eleven-course meal. His workspace, complete with serving equipment as well as Tupperware containers filled with the elements of each course, was impeccably organized—even more impressive considering the kitchen in which he was working was totally new to him.

And then the dinner began. Before each course, Theo explained the story behind the food before us. The salmon dish, he told us, was inspired by bagel and lox. The last course, a kumquat and rhubarb fruit roll-up, was inspired by his childhood love for fruit roll-ups. In addition to deconstructing the story behind each meal, we were also able to watch them be prepared. This interactive environment with the chef himself created a level of intimacy in this dining experience that I do not think is possible at a restaurant.

Bagel and lox: salmon coated with everything bagel seasoning, a savory bulgur mixture, salmon eggs and roe (photo courtesy of Theo Friedman)

Gourmet fruit roll-ups (photo courtesy of Theo Friedman)

Not only did each course have a unique story, but each also boasted unique flavors and textures. The first course was a warm sunchoke soup with cold scallops, both of which were savory, paired with sweet pomegranate seeds. Another course, a favorite among all of us dinner-goers, was a soy-flavored, poached egg, with yolk oozing over kale and crispy shiitake mushrooms.

Sunchoke and scallops (photo courtesy of Theo Friedman)

Of note, in my opinion, were the desserts. This may be because I have an insatiable sweet tooth, but I found Theo’s three desserts to be especially creative. First came his grapefruit, fernet, and dill dessert. Never had I expected to eat dill for dessert, and in a meringue no less! Then came rice crispy treats, another childhood-inspired dish, which combined crispy pork skin and creamy dulce du leche. Finally was my favorite dessert: a chocolate and peppercorn cake with preserved strawberries.

Rice Crispy.JPG — Rice Crispy Treat (photo courtesy of Theo Friedman)

Preserved strawberries, cream, and chocolate peppercorn cake

The other event attendees, many of them also undergraduates, were just as in awe as I was of Theo’s creative cooking skills. Each course brought an exciting new combination of flavors and textures that we could not believe he had put together in such a deliciously harmonious way. Although we had all been complete strangers before the dinner, by the end, we had all shared a novel culinary experience together, and bonded over our admiration for Theo and his cooking.

Harvard’s Second Annual “Just Food?” Conference

Published on February 8, 2016 by The Crimson CraveLeave a comment

By: Dana Ferrante ’17

After a hugely successful conference last year, the Harvard Food Law Society and Food Literacy Project have decided to hold a Second Annual “Just Food?” Conference this March. While last year the conference focused mainly on social justice, this year public policy makers, professors, and farmers from across the US will gather to discuss issues of Land Use Rights and Ecology, in the pursuit of a more just food system.

The goal of the conference is to examine the interaction we as humans have on the land, specifically in terms of how food policy and agriculture practices affect our environment. Whether you are an ESPP concentrator, or are just interested in food, the conference is geared towards all levels of familiarity with the food system, exploring humanity’s impact on the land in terms of environment, economy, policy, history, human health, and ethics. In order to accomplish this, the conference takes the most ‘just’ choice, bringing people from all across the food system (farmers, scholars, activists, public policy makers) in one place in order to give the most nuanced perspective of how our food system affects us all.

Held completely at Harvard Law School, conference events will begin on the afternoon of Friday March 25th and will continue for a full-day of events on Saturday March 26th. Featuring both lectures, live music, local food, workshops, film screenings, poster sessions, and opportunities to network, the conference is sure to be be both eye-opening and highly-interactive.

While the full schedule is not yet published, the conference has announced the three keynote speakers, which are as follows: Smite Narula (from the Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute at Hunter College), Anuradha Mittal (Founder and Executive Director of the Oakland Institute, an independent policy think tank), and Jo Guldi (historian of property rights and agronomy in England). All experts in man’s relationship to land, these speakers will frame the importance of land use and ecology in the larger food system.

Tickets are now on sale here until February 25th. Since the conference is run on-campus, Harvard students receive a huge discount on the tickets, having to pay only $12 for the entire weekend. With general admission tickets priced at $49 a pop, the student price is really a good deal on an opportunity you should not pass up!

Check out the website here to find out more details about the conference, speakers, logistics, etc.

Step Aside, There’s A New Coffee in Town

Published on November 16, 2015 by The Crimson CraveLeave a comment

by Allison Yan ’19

There’s nothing quite like our beloved Clover. The brightly lit space. The open, airy atmosphere. And the food. Did I mention the food?

A Harvard staple, Clover is well-known for its carefully made food and top-quality coffees. Friday was a special day for Clover, as the restaurant introduced Four Barrel Coffee to their wonderful drinks lineup. I had the wonderful opportunity to talk to Clover manager, Lynn, about their new coffee (coming all the way from Ethiopia!) over a delicious complimentary cider donut.

Full disclosure: I’m not by any means a coffee aficionado. Fortunately, Lynn gave me a very helpful rundown of Four Barrel Coffee and what Clover looks for in its coffee roasters. I’ve compiled her advice in a list that will hopefully be helpful to my fellow Clover addicts.

Clover selects its roasters very deliberately.

It’s not just a random selection, or whichever roaster is the most affordable. Clover doesn’t feature any type of coffee unless someone has personally visited the roastery. They consider how the roaster treats their beans, the equipment, and the staff before deciding whether to bring it back to its Boston-area restaurants.

Four Barrel Coffee was hand-picked by Clover’s owner!

Ayn himself endorsed this coffee.

African coffees are distinctively different from Latin American coffees.

African coffees tend to be fruitier in nature, with a mix of multiple flavors, while Latin American coffees tend to have a smokier taste.

Four Barrel’s beans hail from Biftu Gudina, Ethiopia.

These beans really are special. The flavor of this coffee is described as “lemony, earthy, with a thick body.” Just enough fruitiness to make you nostalgic of warmer days, and more than enough satisfying earthiness to warm you up.

Light or medium roast is the way to go.

Four Barrel beans are delicate and have a uniquely lovely taste. It would be a shame if a dark roast was used and all you tasted was the burn of the roast. Light or medium roast will best allow the flavors to sink in.

Four Barrel Coffee has been a Clover staff favorite since it arrived.

It’s even made using the pour-over method! Therefore, it’s good. Trust me.

I know I’ll be back to try Clover’s new coffee as well as my old favorites. In any case, move aside, large coffee chains. Clover is making a name for itself as a seller of some of the best coffee in the world.

Boston Restaurants to be Graded on Cleanliness

Published on November 16, 2015 by The Crimson CraveLeave a comment

by Bovey Rao ’19

Many larger cities have adopted standardized grading systems for their restaurants. Frequent inspections made restaurants maintain higher standards of operation and cleanliness to earn their respective grade. These ratings improved their respective food scenes in terms of quality, but many concerns about consistency and corruption were voiced with this process. The power of the inspectors to give a restaurant a lower cleanliness rating could destroy a business. Similarly, some restaurants might be coerced into bribes and other underhanded methods to boost their letter grades. As Boston prepares to roll out their own grading system, I hope that the city is aware of potential repercussions.

Early next year, Boston is on track to begin grading restaurants on a scale from A to C (with A being the best and C being the worst). Restaurants that receive the C rating are then given 30 days to repair any issues and then be regraded by health inspectors. However, these ratings would not posted on storefronts like in many other metropolitan areas; instead, they would found online on a public database. This proposal now seemingly loses it merit because these ratings would not be visible. It is tedious to have to check a website when trying to figure out where to eat. At the same time, it would allow for restaurants of Boston to truly understand how the system works and to prepare themselves for it.

This ultimately brings up the issue of food safety and regulation. It is reasonable to expect restaurants to serve food from sanitary conditions in a comfortable and clean environment. If an establishment fails to meet those expectations, a potential customer would like to know. The immediate problem is to explain what the respective rating means. What differs between an A rating and a B rating? Does having a B rating change whether or not a person is likely to dine at a restaurant?

However, from a restauranteur’s perspective, it is also frustrating and sometimes hindering to have to adhere to standardized practices. Given the arbitrary nature of inspections, there is the issue of consistency and timeliness in visits. Fortunately, the provision allowing for a 30 day period to improve allows for this to be a non-issue. While many restaurants may protest these demands, the accommodations provided by the city are fair and justified. It is currently hard to tell whether or not the changes are going to help or harm the Boston food scene, but I believe that having a standardized restaurant health code will ultimately benefit the city.