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Expand Your Seafood Vocabulary With B&G

Published on October 12, 2015October 19, 2015 by The Crimson CraveLeave a comment

by Bovey Rao ’19

The South End of Boston is much less well known than its counterpart, the North End. While the North End is home to some of the best Italian food in the Northeast, the South End seems to be a less attractive dining destination. In reality, the South End actually is home to some of the Boston’s most well-regarded restaurants. With nationally acclaimed restaurants like Toro and Myers + Chang, and local favorites like Kitchen and Gaslight Brasserie, the South End is a must visit for the foodie in all of us. Among the local favorites is B&G Oysters, a hip oyster bar that ships in fresh oysters daily.

At the entrance, the restaurant’s vibe can be immediately observed with comical signs on their gate. Regardless of your interest (nothing wrong with enjoying a great sausage), make sure you check out the bivalves!

Despite a relatively early reservation time, the restaurant was already full. The open kitchen and wide bar is an incredible experience to view the master oyster shucker or the head chef prepare your dish. Given the namesake, expectations were incredibly high for the various oysters on the menu. When asked, the waitstaff provided a thorough explanation of the oyster’s unique flavors and the subtle differences that could be noticed. Best of all, she offered to make a small sampling plate for oyster virgins.

Given our limited student budgets, the three of us opted for two oysters each, and they were quickly shucked and delivered. Each of us was given a Chatham and a Riptide. The Chatham is regarded as one of the best beginning oysters as it provides a simple briny flavor. As expected, a nice smooth brininess prevailed in the oyster, but immediately, I could tell B&G had another level of execution. At most oyster bars, the accoutrements of the mignonette, cocktail, and horseradish are casually served as almost an afterthought. However, these sauces at B&G truly elevated the smooth salty oysters with a light acidity and almost crisp texture. We immediately switched to try the Riptide and were blown away by the sweet meatiness of the flesh. As discussed by our waitress, the subtle differences were truly what gave individual oysters personality.

Progressing through our order, I sampled B&G’s acclaimed clam chowder. Many outlets consider B&G to serve one of the best clam chowders in Boston, but unfortunately, I disagree. B&G did deliver an incredibly rich broth complete with tender clams, bacon lardons, and creamy potatoes, but it still felt slightly lacking. Normally, I expect a creamier, more viscous chowder, while this rendition was a little thin. Thus, many of the ingredients settled at the bottom and made for a somewhat inconsistent spoonful. The chowder delivered in many ways, but simultaneously failed to fulfill the high expectations.

Again faced with dish that is lauded by the community, I prepared for the B&G lobster roll. Despite being smaller than expected, the lobster roll was dense and almost bursting with sweet lobster meat. The sides of fries, pickles, and slaw were also clearly well prepared. B&G followed a traditional preparation for its lobster, in a light salad with mayonnaise, celery, and chives. The first bite starts with meeting the sweet roll and then entering the thick layer of delicate lobster flesh. Almost immediately, the sweetness of lobster flesh stands out with a light saltiness. With a light crunch, the bread and butter pickles serve as an acidic component to counterbalance the rich, sweet lobster roll. The crispy fries and fresh slaw serve as solid, but not mind-blowing sides. Overall, the hype surrounding this course was well warranted.

For dessert, we collectively decided on the blueberry bombolones, fried ricotta donuts. The hot fried dough balls were the ideal finish to our casual lunch. Thankfully, the bombolones were not overbearingly sweet, which played with the tart, almost savory blueberry jam.

Despite my incredibly high expectations surrounding B&G Oysters, I cannot say that I was disappointed. It is clear why B&G retains a perennial spot on many media outlets top restaurants. While the menu clearly displays a high level of sophistication and executes it well, come for the namesake oysters, and you will not be disappointed.

B&G Oysters

Location: 550 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Reservation: OpenTable or Call (617)-423-0550

Stand out dishes: Lobster Roll, Oysters, Bombolones

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Food: 5/5

Service: 4/5

Ambience: 4/5

Highlights from the 37th Annual Oktoberfest

Published on October 12, 2015 by The Crimson CraveLeave a comment

by Emily Brother ’19

The 37^th Annual Oktoberfest was a wonderful celebration of food, music, and the city of Cambridge. For those who couldn’t make it and for those who went and want to relive the experience, here are some of the highlights:

The Second Line Social Aid and Pleasure Society Brass Band.

Liquiteria’s “Royal Flush” juice is a tangy hybrid of pineapple, apple, and ginger. (Liquiteria, 18 Brattle St #352)

The “Liquid Volcano” was extremely popular, primarily due to the dry ice in the drink that made it look like it was smoking.

Delicious slices of smoked beef from El Jefe’s Taqueria.

Three traditional Indian dishes from Punjab, an authentic Indian restaurant. (Punjab, 485 Massachusetts Ave.)

A Schweinedecke (pig in a blanket) from The Sinclair. (The Sinclair, 52 Church St.)

Roasted Pork Bao from the Thai restaurant, NAGA. (NAGA, 450 Massachusetts Ave.)

Snap Boogie, a world famous street performer that was featured on America’s Got Talent.

The Turkey Hill brand gave out free hazelnut gelato samples.

Authentic German Bratwurst served in a bun with sauerkraut.

Sriracha Oatmeal? A Freshman’s Take on a Breakfast Classic

Published on October 5, 2015October 5, 2015 by The Crimson CraveLeave a comment

by Michelle Chiang ’19

While Annenberg’s exquisite stained-glass windows never fail to impress, the dining hall breakfast can get old very quickly – especially for those looking for healthier options. After all, how many days can one eat oatmeal before it gets boring?

A lot, actually. It just takes a little creative mixing and matching. Here are a few oatmeal-based confections to dazzle up your morning:

Peary Delicious: pear, Greek yogurt, and honey

Bowl of Sunshine: banana, raisins, peanut butter

The Classic: apple, peanut butter

The Adventure: peanut butter, cinnamon, yogurt, Sriracha sauce (courtesy of Jennifer Tu ’16)

You’re probably making a face right now. But wait – if you like Thai food, give this one a try! The ingredients mingle together and create a savory, sweet sensation with just the right amount of kick. (Author’s note: be wary of adding too much cinnamon or Sriracha sauce.)

Punch Season

Published on October 5, 2015 by The Crimson CraveLeave a comment

by Richa Chaturvedi ’18

Sophomore fall means one thing at Harvard: it’s punch season! But worry not; I’m here with a survival guide to this incredibly stressful time. It’s not a letter under your door, but it will have to do.

Introducing Crimson Crave’s foolproof guide to punch season!

Round 1: You’re nervous. You’re still unclear about the dress code. You’re out of data because you had to use Google maps to get here. If the prospect of smiling and making small talk to the next 45 minutes to an hour freaks you out, then you need to chill out with this wonderfully refreshing Mint Tea punch! It’s the perfect punch to relax with, with its combination of minty freshness and a soothing tea. All your worries will wash away with this liquid strength in your hands.

Screen Shot 2015-10-04 at 10.53.27 PM — Photo courtesy of allrecipes.com

Round 2: Perhaps you’ve made if farther than you expected (it’s a miracle you made it to the next round since you spent the whole last event being antisocial at the snack table). You’re a bit of a pro now. You walk in with your crew, ready to rock this event like the super star you know you are. You need a drink that asserts dominance and exudes confidence. Try this Pink Rhubarb punch because, if Elle Woods taught us anything, pink is definitely the color of confidence. You’ll definitely be strutting your stuff with this drink in hand.

Screen Shot 2015-10-04 at 10.55.44 PM — Photo courtesy of http://www.tasteofhome.com

Round 3: Time for date events, which are clearly everyone’s favorite part of punch. It’s not stressful at all. But it’s cold! You’ll have to wear a heavy-duty jacket over your nice clothes, so why not warm up with this Mexican Pumpkin punch? A close cousin of the classic pumpkin spice latte, this drink is a tribute to all things fall. You won’t even feel Hurricane Joaquin’s winds when equipped with this crowd pleaser.

Screen Shot 2015-10-04 at 10.56.52 PM — Photo courtesy of http://www.foodnetwork.com

Round 4: Okay, wow. You’re almost at the promise land. Whatever happens at this point, it’s important to pat yourself on the back for a job well done. You’ve had countless conversations about concentrations, dining halls, and CS50. You deserve something nice because you’re worth it. Kick back and celebrate with this Red Velvet punch (yes, you read that correctly). It’s like a cake, but it’s punch. It’s delicious and topical. It’s in your belly and you’re very happy about it. Congrats on making it through punch kids, we did it.

Screen Shot 2015-10-04 at 10.58.56 PM — Photo courtesy of http://www.foodnetwork.com

Boston Tea Stop: A Stop You Shouldn’t Miss

Published on October 5, 2015 by The Crimson CraveLeave a comment

by Angela Yi ’19

Bubble tea – or “Boba” as we Californians call it – is an experience. It’s not just tea – it’s tea with chewy pearls of pure happiness. The drinks come with a cluster of tapioca pearls at the bottom and a fat straw so that you can drink in the pearls with your tea. The texture of the pearls combined with the sweetness of the tea just makes the drink simply perfect.

I had some mad cravings for some boba last weekend, and, to my fortune, I found out that there was a boba place very close to the Yard. Open from 12:30 PM – 11:30 PM and located on 54 JFK St., Boston Tea Stop is the place to go anytime after lunch.

The interior looks a little run-down, but that just adds to the homey atmosphere of the small café. And the random Street Fighter II arcade game in the back corner of the store just added to its charm.

There’s a good variety in the menu, which I definitely appreciate. There are the classic Milk Tea flavors, as well as unique Flavored and Blended options. But what got me very interested was their Mochi Ice Cream. I hadn’t tried that with my boba before, so I had to order one.

When I finally got to try my tea, my cravings for boba were satisfied. I got the Jasmine Gren Tea with Boba, and while I would have preferred my boba pearls to be bigger, I still enjoyed my tea. The Lychee Mochi Ice Cream was very difficult at first to actually bite through because they were basically frozen solid, but it was delicious once it melted a bit.

Overall, I’d recommend this place for both people who have had boba before, and for those who have not. The prices are definitely very reasonable, and the location couldn’t be better.

Basia’s Scoop (#1: Lizzy’s)

Published on October 5, 2015October 5, 2015 by The Crimson CraveLeave a comment

by Basia Rosenbaum ’18

Birthdays, a post-exam treat, summer nights. All perfect occasions for the best dessert there is: ice cream.

Ice cream and I have had a serious relationship since childhood (my mom even has compromising photos of my face smeared in chocolate to prove it). Vacations always include multiple trips to determine the best ice cream. High school was filled with nightly ice cream breaks. So, of course, ice cream was a priority when I came to Harvard. Check Crimson Crave weekly to see some of my favorites.

You can’t beat the Lizzy’s location. And creative flavors are a plus—bringing out the inner child in all of us with chocolate cookie dough (because isn’t that the problem everywhere else—who wants vanilla cookie dough?) I went full childhood adding rainbow sprinkles on top and it was delicious.

Lying underneath: half chocolate cookie dough, half Columbian Fudge Avalanche

But Lizzy’s is one of those places where tasting matters. Ask for a sample, ask for two, because there are ways you can go wrong. The Columbian Fudge Avalanche (coffee with fudge and walnuts) was a great ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ kind of flavor. But I could have done without the Charles River Crunch (chocolate with almond toffee).

In the spirit of Ben and Jerry’s-esque fun and creative flavors, Lizzy’s is a valuable asset to the Harvard Square ice cream scene. Look for the adorable cow mascot and grab a scoop.

Note: Basia will be publishing a Best of Boston Ice Cream series – check back for more next week!

Russell House Tavern: American Cuisine Fused with Global Flavors

Published on October 5, 2015 by The Crimson CraveLeave a comment

by Bovey Rao ’19

Taverns elicit images of energetic environments, buzzing with activity as waiters and patrons rush through the space. Russell House Tavern, a hot-spot in Harvard Square, fits that description exceptionally well with a stellar alcohol selection and inventive mixology. The tavern is frequently packed to capacity as a popular post-work destination for students and faculty alike. However, Russell House Tavern stands heads and shoulders above the stereotypical tavern by serving food well beyond cocktail peanuts and stale pretzels. Seven days a week, Russell House Tavern prepares inspired American cuisine with flavors inspired by global influences.

Walking down Kennedy Street, I could see that the restaurant was brimming as a queue extended out into the sidewalk. Fortunately, with a reservation for three at 9:30 pm, my party was promptly greeted by the host and seated. A quick view of the menu presented a diverse arrangement of exceptional bar food and eclectic entrees for a more complete meal. The menu was almost perfectly suited for a tavern, where large groups of people with unique preferences could gather and share portions. In particular, the pizzas on the menu stood out as perfect dishes to be split among a group. With a plethora of options, we began arguing which dishes to order and eventually decided on two pizzas and an assortment of other sharable small plates.

After an unexpectedly long wait (or maybe our empty stomachs made it feel longer), our hot and steaming pizzas arrived. Immediately, I grabbed a slice of the Cape Cod clam pizza ($13) and delivered it to my mouth. The strings of stretched cheese burned my hands and the sides of my mouth as the savory slice touched my tongue. In an odd way, the pizza reminded me distinctly of an incredible clam chowder. With the flavorful clam and rich pancetta mixing in my mouth with the melty cheese and white sauce, I was transported to the harbor, sitting over a steaming bowl of clam chowder. Breaking out of the daze, I hungrily took a slice of the heirloom tomato pizza ($14). To contrast the salty, savory clam pizza, the tomato pizza was perfectly sweet and refreshing. The namesake heirloom tomatoes had a complex sweetness and cleansed my palette with a juicy freshness. Combined with the flavorful burrata, a cheese made similarly to mozzarella, and marjoram, an herb with citrus notes, the pizza returned me to my senses.

Soon after, the small plates arrived: tuna tartare ($13), Jonah crab cakes ($13), steak frites ($25), and steak tartare ($14). The tuna tartare, a preparation where raw fish/beef is chopped into a fine grind, was a slight disappointment. While the tuna was clearly incredibly fresh, it suffered from an overwhelming sweetness from the melon. The crab cakes were similarly underwhelming, as there was a lack of seasoning. Strangely, the crab cakes were panko breaded, which helped the cakes keep their shape, but masked the flavoring, leaving a bland dish.

Personally, I was looking forward to the steak frites because it is such a classic French Bistro dish. Expecting a tender medium rare steak with crisp fries, I was mildly disappointed. The steak was a little too tough for my liking, and the fries were simply average. While well-cooked, there was something left to be desired in the dish. Overall the night so far was passable, but nothing spectacular. Until…

The steak tartare was presented with a golden deep fried egg and a peculiar black smear. The waiter explained to cut the egg open to release the yolk and then run the steak through the black smear and the egg yolk. Heeding his instructions, each of us gingerly placed the raw steak into our mouths. I closed my eyes as I chewed the tender steak disintegrated in our mouths and a savory flavor proliferated in our mouths. The gentle balance of the steak with the fatty egg yolk and spicy horseradish was excellent.

As the night wound to a close, my expectations were satisfied, and I am delighted that such a restaurant operates in Harvard Square. While some dishes were slight disappointments, Russell House Tavern is an establishment that I revisit frequently, due to their solid execution at later hours (12 pm Su-Th, 1 am F-Sa). For those looking for something a little more elevated at those hours, Russell House is a strong recommendation.

Russell House Tavern

Location: 14 John F. Kennedy Street, Cambridge MA 02138

Reservation: OpenTable, or by Phone at (617)-500-3055

Stand out dishes: Steak Tartare, Heirloom Tomato Pizza

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Food: 3.5/5

Service: 4/5

Ambience: 4/5

Dorm Chicken Parm in 15 Minutes or Less

Published on October 5, 2015 by The Crimson CraveLeave a comment

by Audrey Thorne ’19

Back home my family makes pasta pomodoro with chicken nuggets for dinner probably four times a week. It is much too difficult and expensive to get all the materials together to make a full pasta dinner any time I miss home, but chicken parmesan wraps are a much easier cure for my hunger and homesickness.

Ingredients:

Frozen chicken nuggets
Mozzarella
Jar of tomato sauce
A tortilla

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F
Add a thin layer of sauce on top of each chicken nuggets
Cut small strips/dollops of mozzarella
Add the strips/dollops on top of the chicken
Bake for 10 minutes
Put the chicken nuggets on a tortilla
Add more sauce and mozzarella to the tortilla
Bake for 2 minutes
Wrap up the tortilla
Enjoy

Through the Gates with Cambridge Eats

Published on October 5, 2015October 5, 2015 by The Crimson Crave1 Comment

by Emily Brother ’19

A couple of weeks ago, the Freshman Dean’s Office organized a food walking tour that took students to a variety of Cambridge’s best cafes, restaurants, and markets. Below is a list of the places that the group visited followed by a brief description of the food that is served so that when your palate is wanting something different and delicious, you know where to go:

Clover (7 Holyoke St.): Known for using locally grown produce to create delicious vegetarian dishes, Clover is the best place to grab a quick and healthy sandwich on the cheap.

Broadway Market (468 Broadway): Across the street from the Harvard Art Museum, one of the most affordable markets near the Yard. It has everything from fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, cheeses, sushi, and more.

Savenor’s Market (92 Kirkland St.): A butcher shop that was supposedly a favorite of Julia Child, Savenor’s sells a plethora of meats. If you’re feeling adventurous, my most exotic finds were Pheasant, alligator, foie gras, rabbit, and buffalo.

The Biscuit (406 Washington St, Somerville, MA): Just a few blocks from Annenberg, The Biscuit is a great café to go to for a nice cup of coffee and a delicious baked treat that is off the beaten trail.

Shiso Kitchen (374 Washington St., Somerville, MA): For those who weren’t able to take Harvard’s Science and Cooking course this semester, you can go to Shiso Kitchen and learn how to prepare foods from places like France, Thailand, and Italy for a variety of occasions. A typical class is anywhere from $50-$100.

Reliable Market (45 Union Square, Somerville, MA): A wonderful Asian food market that sells an endless amount of ingredients commonly used in the preparation of Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and Vietnamese dishes.

Capone Foods (14 Bow St., Somerville): A charming store that specializes in selling fine Italian wines, homemade cheeses, meats, and pasta sheets! This is also the place to get cannolis when you tire of Mike’s Pastry!

Union Square Donuts (20 Bow St., Somerville, MA): A gourmet donut shop that sells delicious donuts including flavors like: Brown Butter Hazelnut Crunch, Sea-Salted Bourbon Caramel, and Boston Cream. You can visit their store (address above) or catch them at the weekly farmer’s market on campus!

Bloc 11 (11 Bow St., Somerville, MA): Not only does Bloc 11 brew amazing fair-trade coffee, it also pays its employees a living wage and benefits while providing them with a comprehensive training program that will prepare them to work in any position in the restaurant.

Lowell House’s Not-So-Hidden Treasure

Published on October 5, 2015 by The Crimson CraveLeave a comment

by Landy Erlick ’19

Whether you are new to the Harvard campus, or are simply cooped up in the Quad working on problem sets, you may not have had the opportunity yet to attend a Lowell House tea – and you’re certainly missing out. Every Thursday at 5 o’clock sharp, the kettles are whistling and the students are hustling into the beautiful home of Lowell House Masters Diana Eck and Dorothy Austin.

The weekly gathering is a long-established tradition for Lowell students, but Eck and Austin kindly open their doors to non-House members as well. After waiting in line for several minutes with anticipation building, you are ushered into Lowell’s beautiful courtyard (weather permitting), and from there the opportunities are endless.

The green enclosure is a small departure from the rest of the event. There, a linen covered table offers tortilla chips and guacamole. However, in keeping with the elegant standards of this house affair, there is also a bright punch bowl of lemonade to keep guests hydrated and to serve as an option for the non-tea drinkers out there.

Inside, the real delights appear. Popping your head through gaps in the throng, you can spot Lowell’s famous monkey bread, chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter brownies, and some apple crisp – all fresh out of the oven. The warm, gooey pastries are the product of eager Lowell House student-chefs, fondly dubbed “Lowell Elves.”

Lowell resident Anne Mathews ’16 is baking for the first time this year. “Some things, likes the scones and cheesecake bars, are Lowell traditions,” Matthew explains. “But my favorite thing to make is sugar cookies.” Indeed, the cookies are a crowd favorite. Master’s Residence Manager Charlotte McKetchnie is in charge of the beloved function, though student bakers can be seen scurrying out the kitchen and into the parlor to replenish any plate looking too bare.

And if cookies aren’t your cup of tea, there are several cake options throughout the hour. First, a beautiful wedding cake. (Yes, Lowell tea offers a small, white wedding cake.) Then, a decadent chocolate slice awaits. Finally, for the third restock, another beautiful yellow cake adorned with flowers. All of the food looks so professional, you would think Harvard offered a culinary class.

For the savory fanatics, there is the extremely popular baked brie and crackers. Be warned: if you’re not there within seconds of this platter being put down, you won’t even be able to find a trace of the delectable cheese. In keeping with the tradition of high tea, there is also a platter of finger sandwiches, ranging from a classic cucumber to a trendy Nutella.

And the attendees, hosts, and bakers aren’t the only ones enjoying themselves every Thursday.

“Dorothy and Diana have an adorable polydactyl cat named Willy who gets underfoot in the kitchen,” Mathews said.