Tag: valentine’s day

Gâté Comme Des Filles and Somerville Chocolate: Your Valentine’s Destination

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By Saranya Vijayakumar ’18 and Sara Surani ’181

We decided to cover Somerville’s chocolates again for Valentine’s day! During the winter months, Lizzy’s ice cream turns into a pop-up chocolate shop. The chocolates are made in collaboration between Alexandra Whisnant’s gáté comme des filles and Somerville Chocolate. The chocolates are made at Aeronaut, the brewery that also has a restaurant and somerville chocolate within the building.  

The woman running the shop is named Fallon and is absolutely amazing. Her fiery red hair and welcoming personality make the hole-in-the-wall treasure trove feel more like a chocolate home than a chocolate shop. She took us around the store and showed us the handmade chocolates. She gave us a few to try, including the white chocolate cardamom, the hazelnut praline, the vanilla bean, and the meyer lemon. Our favorites were the meyer lemon, with gold leaf on the top, and the hazelnut, which tasted like nutella…but better.

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The pop up lasts only until the end of February, when the shop becomes Lizzy’s ice cream again. It’s the perfect place to get a Valentine’s Day gift, with adorable Alice in Wonderland wrapping and tasty chocolates!

If you’re curious on what chocolates to try, gift to your loved one, or surprise your favorite galentine with, here are some of our suggestions!

Hazelnut praline:

Are you a Nutella-lover? Well, look no further! This all-organic, freshly made chocolate tastes just like nutella… except better. It has the warm soul-sensation of a Ferrero Rocher, but is both fluffier on the touch and gentler on the palate. It’s a classic crowd pleaser and brings back hints of nostalgia with its tones of crisp hazelnut. The nutella-like flavor hugs your tastebuds and doesn’t let go–much like your Valentine’s day date won’t let go after you two share this lovely treat together!

Lemon meyer:

Do you like your sweet with a hint of sass? Then the lemon meyer is your go-to! While this chocolate has a nice milk chocolate exterior like the other chocolates, the puckering tinge of lemon sets it apart from the rest! (Not to mention the delicately crafted gold leaf on top!) Not only does the lemon-y taste catch you by pleasant surprise, but the citrus-y taste lasts long after your chocolate has disappeared! The best part? It is all-organic, made with fresh meyer lemon juice, and is vegan-friendly!

Vanilla bean:

Want to stay on the safe side but still want to feel warm inside? If so, you can’t go wrong with the vanilla bean bonbon! Immediately upon biting into the creamy chocolate, you taste warm tones of both organic chocolate and Costa Rican vanilla bean. The two flavor duo compliments each other better than any of your two favorite duos–Bonnie and Clyde, Romeo and Juliet, Barak and Joe, you name it! This soothing flavor, accompanied by the dark valrhona chocolate ganache is a perfect chocolate for a snowy day!

White chocolate cardamom:

Are you a fan of Starbucks’ dirty chai latte? Then the white chocolate cardamom bonbon is perfect for you! This beautiful snowflake-colored bonbon has a glimmering creamy exterior and and an even creamier and fluffier interior. This hearty treat exudes warmth and content-ness with its smooth white chocolate hard shell and its strong flavor of cardamom on the inside. Even though though the tones of cardamon are strong, they gently dance on your tastebuds. Having a bad day? Wait no longer, this white chocolate cardamom is a great pick-me up and can turn any sub-par day into a stellar one!

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This tiny shop should not be overlooked. It’s a cozy place to go for a quick treat in the snowstorm, so check it out before it leaves for the year!

Also, Fallon has an art show on February 25th from noon to midnight at Warehouse XI. Everyone is invited. She’s super cool, so visit her at the chocolate shop and go to her show!

Where to Eat this Valentine’s Day

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by Caroline Gentile ’17

As is the case for most holidays, my favorite part of Valentine’s Day is always the food.  Although many cast Valentine’s Day as merely a commercial holiday or a sad reminder of one’s loneliness, to me, there is nothing better than a day that encourages you to eat chocolate and drink wine (whether by yourself, with friends, or with a special someone). Regardless of who your celebrating with, Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to go try some fun, new restaurants, especially those that are running special deals in honor of it. Below is a list of suggestions for where to eat this Valentine’s Day:
Zinneken’s
1154 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA
(617)-876-0836
A tried and true Harvard Square favorite, this Belgian waffle joint never fails to please. If you’re looking for somewhere relatively well-priced, conveniently located, and romantic, this is your place. And of course, we can’t forget about their delicious waffles, topped with whatever your heart desires.
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Strawberries + banana + chocolate sauce= true love
Orinoco
56 JFK Street, Cambridge, MA
(617)-354-6900
This cozy Venezuelan restaurant, tucked away on JFK street, offers a warm and inviting ambiance in addition to hearty, flavorful fare.  Be sure to try the datiles, or the bacon-wrapped dates!  They do not accept reservations, so try to go at an off-peak hour if you aren’t willing to wait for a table.
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Datiles at Orinoco
Max Brenner
745 Boylston St., Boston, MA
(617)-274-1741
For those of you who view Valentine’s Day as an excuse to eat all of the dessert in sight, then you must go to Max Brenner. Located conveniently near the Copley Square T stop, this is definitely the place to go get chocolate wasted. In addition to real food (which is pretty good in itself), they offer a variety of decadent sundaes, milkshakes, hot chocolate, lava cake, fondue, and chocolate-inspired cocktails. Be sure to make a reservation or call ahead, though, as they do get very busy!
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Dessert Pizza at Max Brenner
Temple Bar
1688 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge
617-547-5055
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For all of you Quadlings, Temple Bar is a tempting choice due to its proximity. Not only is their location prime, but they also are offering a three-course prix fixe menu, as well as a vegetarian tasting menu, in honor of Valentine’s Day! Dinner is $49 per person, or $39 per person if you go before 6pm.  For the 21+ crowd, add wine pairings for $19.
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(Photo courtesy of http://www.tripadvisor.com)
Russell House Tavern
14 JFK St., Boston.
617-500-3055
russellhousecambridge.com
Another Harvard Square favorite, Russell House Tavern is offering a special three-course prix fixe menu, featuring seared Gloucester monkfish loin and cider glazed heritage pork shank.  Dinner is $59 per person, or $79 with wine pairings.  If you go between 5pm and 6pm, there is a $10 discount on the prix fixe menu.  Be sure to make reservations!
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(Photo courtesy of http://www.bostonglobe.com)
The Beehive
541 Tremont St., Boston
617-423-0069
beehiveboston.com
The sister restaurant of Harvard Square’s Beat Hotel, the Beehive offers a cool ambiance, an extensive champagne list, and a mouthwatering Valentine’s Day menu.  Start with appetizers like their fall-off-the-bone baby back ribs or lobster chowder, then choose from a variety of delicious entrees, and finish with strawberry cheesecake, chocolate pot de creme, or the dessert du jour.  Dinner is served from 5:30 p.m. – 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 5:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday – Tuesday.  On Valentine’s Day, their prix fixe menu is $65 per person, but they are still offering their specials on the 12th and 13th as well.  Don’t forget reservations!

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A romantic ambiance at the Beehive (photo courtesy of thebostoncalendar.com)

 

 

Cupid’s Cuisine: 5 Valentine’s Day Dates

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Darwin’s Ltd.
148 Mount Auburn Street
Cambridge, MA

By Danielle Leavitt ’17

Darwin’s Ltd., located at 148 Mount Auburn Street is the perfect place for a Valentine’s date. Eclectic decor, a vast array of natural, organic soups, made-to-order sandwiches, wines, and fresh veggies and fruits — it’s a great place to either pick-up a picnic lunch or eat in. Take a seat in the cozy seating area with your date, and sample many of the different flavored coffees and fresh bakery items. However, no great Valentine’s date would be complete without a gluten free option, and Darwin’s is no exception. Their gluten free sandwich bread is incredibly tasty, and the homemade gluten free pastries and scones are to die for. My personal favorite sandwich is the Hilliard: sprouts, Havarti cheese, and turkey on gluten free bread. For the yummiest and best kept secret in Cambridge, take your date to Darwin’s Ltd.!

Giulia
1682 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA

 By Victoria Piccione ’16

There are few things more romantic than really delicious Italian food. It makes sense: the country is romantic, the language is (quite literally) (R)omantic; it only follows that the food be romantic as well. Giulia on Mass Ave. has mastered this romance – and everyone knows it because the restaurant is always packed. The lighting is dim and the venue is small, the perfect amount of cozy for you and your Valentine. And despite below-freezing temps and below-zero wind chill, the food will warm you from the inside-out.

For the antipasto, you can’t miss the burrata: kind of a cross between mozzarella and ricotta, this is probably the best cheese you’ll ever eat. Choosing a main course is virtually impossible, with countless mouthwatering pastas on the menu, each prepared fresh daily at the big wooden pasta table featured right in front of the kitchen. And with amazing secondi, like homemade lamb sausage, you may be better off sharing, so you can both get a taste of everything. Of course, Valentine’s Day is the chocolate holiday, so your meal wouldn’t be complete without the chocolate terrine or the affogato. (The latter may just be the best gelato on this side of the Atlantic.) No matter what you choose, though, you can’t go wrong.

With a three-course meal averaging around $35 per person, I wouldn’t really call it a bang-for-your-buck kind of place. But you will certainly be getting your money’s worth. Let’s be honest: great food evokes feelings of pleasure–all the better to share it with your partner. But even if the date is a total flop, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself falling in love with Giulia.

Beat Hôtel
13 Brattle Street
Cambridge, MA

By Orlea Miller ’16

Looking for somewhere new and exciting this Valentine’s Day? Try the Beat Brasserie (the Beat Hôtel)! The regular Bohemian-themed menu will be offered, along with specials including a Duck Confit Salad, the Blue Crab Crostini, and Roasted Lobster with Squid Ink Pasta. You can’t miss this season’s dessert offerings: banana bread pudding, raspberry and blackberry mousse, and flourless chocolate cake! Live music and drink specials are sure to add to the special occasion. Reservations are highly encouraged, call 617-499-0001 to make yours.

Taranta
210 Hanover Street
Boston, MA

By Caroline Gentile ’17

Located in the always romantic North End, Taranta boasts an unlikely fusion of Italian and Peruvian cuisine that is actually a match made in heaven (perhaps like you and your date!). Any of their six pasta dishes are to die for, but the lobster ravioli are by far the most popular.  As for the main dishes, the Petto di Pollo –chicken stuffed with fontina cheese and spinach– and the Amazon paiche are sure to impress.  The dim lighting, friendly service and delicious food make Taranta a perfect place for a Valentine’s Day date.  Be sure to make a reservation by calling 617-720-0052.

Café Algiers
40 Brattle Street
Cambridge, MA

By Dana Ferrante ’17

Tables for two, apricot cookies, a spiral staircase, peppermint orange hot chocolate. The only thing missing? That special someone. If you’re looking for an intimate environment, made for conversation, warm beverages, and classic coffee shop romance, Café Algiers is the perfect place to go and hide from the sure to be snowy Valentine’s Day weather this year. Chances are it won’t be teaming with people, and you won’t have to wait an hour to get your delicious tabbouli salad or cheese plate with arabic bread. For a causal Valentine’s Day, where you’ll be warm, well-fed, and able to hear what your date is saying, Café Algiers is the place to go.

Homemade Chicken Bolognese

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By Caroline Gentile ’17

Maybe it’s because I’m part Italian, or maybe it’s just because I love carbs, but pasta bolognese is probably my favorite meal.  To me, nothing is more satisfying than a plate full of perfectly al-dente rigatoni smothered in a hearty, meaty bolognese sauce.  When I first decided to try my hand at cooking in third grade, it was no surprise that I decided to make a bolognese sauce.

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My mom chose a recipe for chicken bolognese by the Australian chef Bill Granger, known for his clean and simple approach to cooking.  After spending hours learning how to chop things, and overcoming my weird phobia of touching raw meat, I produced a delicious chicken bolognese sauce. Using chicken instead of beef really lightened up the sauce, making it possible to have seconds (or even thirds!)

Since then, this recipe has become my go-to for a quick and easy dinner. If third grade me can make it, anybody can!

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You’ll need:

2 TB extra virgin olive oil (the best you can get your hands on)

1 onion, finely chopped

1 celery stalk, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

sea salt

2 slices of pancetta or prosciutto, chopped

1lb 2oz minced ground chicken

1.5 cups crushed tomato

1lb 2oz rigatoni

1/2 cup pinot grigio (optional, but recommended for added flavor)*

freshly grated parmesan cheese and 3 TB flat leaf parsley to serve

 

Directions:

Put the oil, onion, celery, garlic and a good pinch of salt and pepper in a saucepan over medium heat and cook for several minutes until golden.  Add the prosciutto/panc etta and chicken, and stir constantly with a wooden spoon to break up any lumps.  When the mince is cooked through, add the tomato sauce and simmer for ten minutes.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the directions on the box until al dente. Toss together with sauce, parmesan, and parsley, and enjoy!

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