RUTH'S CHRIS PRIME STEAK HOUSE BOSTON MA

Time to travel to another high end restaurant. Tonight we went to Ruth's Chris Prime Steak House in the beautiful old Boston City Hall Building. http://www.ruthschris.com/Restaurant-Locations/boston

A quick ride up Tremont St and a left onto School St and we arrived at the Valet Parking for Ruth's Chris. A walk across an historic courtyard and we are at our destination. After a check in we are brought right to our table in elegant room with giant windows looking out on the city.

A cocktail is always in order and I opted for a traditional Sidecar. Not to many places will make this drink and I was happy to receive mine rimmed in sugar.

Steve and Diane again joined Karen and I for dinner and we were all ready to sink out teeth into a juicy steak. Our server was very knowledgeable of the menu and had some wonderful suggestions for us.

All but Steve chose a salad course.

I had a traditional house salad and Karen and Diane had the Caesar.

Steve loves a good shrimp cocktail and also shared the mushrooms stuffed with crab.

Everything about the meal and the service had a strong attention to detail. You will note the lemon half wrapped in cloth. All the juice and no seeds!

It also prevented the inevitable squirt of juice into a fellow diners eye.

Steve wanted just a steak and the rest of us went for surf and turf. A 6 oz  steak with a half lobster tail, shrimp and a scallop.

If you go remember sides are meant to be shared. I like creamed spinach and Karen had some steamed broccoli. Steve had Potato Au Gratin and Diane had the special, hash brown potato with cheese, bacon and sour cream. Thankfully enough to feed an army.

Steak was probably one of the best I have ever had. Cooked to perfection and amazingly tender. Almost didn't need to use a knife. Everything was oozing with butter. Karen and I chose to have our steak crusted with blue cheese. Delicious!

The dinner special came with desert or you could order from the menu for a slight up charge.

Diane got the special, cheesecake with chocolate almonds.

Steve had the bread pudding.

Karen the chocolate lava cake with ice cream.

I got my favorite creme brulee.

Overall, a great meal. Pricey but worth it between the food and the service. We all need to be pampered sometime. We will return to celebrate a special event in the future.

TOP OF THE HUB BOSTON MA

Tonight we find ourselves celebrating two Anniversaries. Karen and I have been married 5 years on April 6 and Diane and Steve have been married 36 years on April 15.We decided to make it an upscale celebration so we couldn't find ourselves more "up" than 52 stories in the Prudential Building. We are at the Top Of The Hub Restaurant in Boston MA .http://www.topofthehub.net/

Located high above Boston this is an upscale restaurant with the best views of Greater Boston by far. We arrived and were seated at a window seat facing north and were able to see far up the coast. The views are spectacular.

We started off with a cocktail. Mine was a Sidecar, an old school drink that you can't find in too many places. I made sure the server knew I wanted a regular Sidecar and not the "ultimate" one listed on the menu for $100.

At Steve's recommendation we picked the "Top of the Hub Tasting Menu" which was a five course dinner that sounded great. Karen opted for adding the wine pairing, a different wine with each course.

The first course was Crab Louis Chopped crab and egg with a Louis dressing. Very flavorful.

I also had the Pan Seared Foie Gras. I love Foie Gras and whenever we are at a restaurant where it's featured I always try it. Especially when it's a slice as opposed to a pate. Delicate and tender and so full of flavor. There is a lot of controversy about this dish but the once or twice a year I find it I can't but enjoy it!

Course number two was Pan Seared Scallops. Steve noted that it was in fact one scallop on the plate, although a large sea scallop, and we all joked that all the plates together gave it the plural name.

As we dined darkness slowly fell over the city below and the glint of a million lights made for a beautiful background to our delicious meal.

The third course was Grilled Tenderloin of Beef Au Poivre.  Beef with a pepper crust and Mushroom Ragout. Asparagus and a wonderful Potato Strudel accompanied the dish. The beef was tender and the potato sliced thin and buttery. (You must excuse the picture. I was in such a hurry to dig into the food I only was able to photograph the remains of the plate).

The fourth course was a Roasted Beet Salad. This of course to cleanse the palate for desert. Yellow and Red Beets, micro basil, toasted pistachios, goat cheese cream and a cherry balsamic dressing. A melange of flavors and textures.

After a bit of a wait, as noted on the menu, we enjoyed dessert. Valrhona Warm Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Toffee Crunch ice cream and cherry sauce. When you order the lava cake at your local chain restaurant, that inspires to be what this was. Chocolate decadence with soft cake and thick oozing fudge. The ice cream scoop was placed in a pastry cup.

Another favorite of Steve and myself is Creme Brulee. So we also ordered a couple for the table to share.

By now we were full and happy. The staff was pleasant and very attentive. I looked out on the world below and I thought of how blessed I am to have a great life. A wonderful loving wife and family. No one should ask for more....

So ... Happy Anniversary to Karen and myself!

And to many more wonderful dinners with the Fab Four!

BERTUCCI'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT PEABODY MA

It's the last Saturday of the month and were still on Route 1 trying pizza. Our final stop is at Bertucci's Italian Restaurant 15 Newbury St West Peabody MA .  http://www.bertuccis.com/index.php.

This is a chain type restaurant with many locations. I usually like to go to a pizza place that is unique and has a flavor all it's own but Bertucci's in Peabody holds a special place in my heart.

The first time I met Karen, live and in person, face to face, was here at Bertucci's where we decided to meet for a Saturday dinner. So now comes the great story......

We decided to meet in the parking lot. As I drove into the lot it was almost full, a busy night for pizza lovers. I drove around the lot looking for a spot to park and I spied a pretty lady sitting in her car. I stopped in the middle of the lane to go over and see if it was Karen. I got out and said hello and it was indeed the lovely Karen. I told her I was looking for a place to park when I realized I had locked my keys in the car with the motor running and in the middle of the lane. What a great first impression! We laughed and I called my daughter Sarah to drive up with a spare key. I'm good at embarrassing her like that. Karen and I chatted and got to know each other while we waited. After Sarah rescued us we went in to eat and had an amazing time.
I knew then she was someone to spend my life with.

All great loves have to have a great story!

Tonight we met Diane and Steve and sat down to eat. After a beer we ordered salads and my favorite Tuscan Chicken Wings. Soon, albeit too soon, the pizza arrived. we were seated at a table for 6 so at least we had room to fit the food.

Pizza here is cooked in a wood fired oven at high temperature.

We decided on a eggplant pizza....

and a Pucillo Pizza which had pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, peppers and onions.

Both pies were baked well and were full of flavor. The high oven heat allows for a crisp crust and doesn't wilt the veggies.

We enjoyed the dinner but were a bit put off at the speed in which the pizza came out. We really hadn't eaten a lot of the salad and wings before the pizza arrived.

We will be back though as Karen and I like to come in on the anniversary of our meeting and have dinner. Karen also likes to mention how we met there and we usually get a free desert.

Overall the pizza quest was fun. Each of us has our favorites. Karen ranked them as Angela's, Prince and Bertucci's and I liked Prince, Angela's and Bertucci's in order.

Each brings good food and wonderful memories.

PRINCE PIZZERIA & GIGGLES COMEDY CLUB SAUGUS MA

It's Saturday night and we're still checking out Rt 1 Pizza spots. Tonight it's an old favorite of mine The "Leaning Tower" Prince Pizzeria and Giggles Comedy Club 517 Broadway Saugus MA. http://www.princepizzeria.com/

I've been coming here since I was a kid. Probably my favorite pizza as comfort food place to go. They also have a full assortment of pastas and Italian specialties. Still run by the Castraberti family since 1961.

A great part of my college years was spent here on a weekend night listening to the Zaitchik Brothers Band (who at the time fetured Matt "Guitar" Murphy later a member of the Blues Brothers Band and played in the Movie). Also a favorite were the Cochran Brothers who as it turns out are cousins of mybeloved Karen. W spent many a night listening and singing along while eating pizza and drinking plenty of beer. The drinking age was lowered to 18 when I turned 18 so I spent mty college years footloose and carefree. The age was returned to 21 when i turned 21. An experiment gone bad i guess. As Dean Wormer once said "drunk and stupid is no way to go through life."

 

Tonight we met Diane and Steve in a part of the restauraunt known as Giggles Comedy Club. They have two seating's a night and serve a full menu. The feature comic was the great Lenny Clark.

We had to get a pitcher of beer for nostalgic reasons.

 

My favorite pizza is meatball. They serve a round baked pan style pizza that has a soft but crispy crust.

 

The girls decided it would be boys choice tonight. Steve chose the "Ask Jeff Special" featuring "Bianco Famous" Italian Sausage, pepperoni, meatball and bacon. A meat lovers delight. Bianco is a meat distributor in Revere MA. Karen and I like to go there for sausage and steak tips. They have the best around.

 

Both pies were awesome and we even ordered a second "Ask Jeff Special" just before the show began.

All the comics were fun and entertaining. It turns out Lenny Clark's brother is connected with Giggles and met us at the door. A gracious host to say the least. Serving staff was attentive for the large crowd and meals arrived timely and hot.

Lenny Clark was a riot and kept the whole house in stitches. He is as sharp as ever and mentioned he was headed to the west coast this week to shoot a TV pilot.

The evening came to an end and we left. I stopped to take a picture of the stage and as I was walking out there was Lenny himself who extended his had in greeting. He was then surrounded with ladies to take pictures with so I took my leave. Karen asked where I was so I nonchalantly said " oh just taking a picture of the stage and chatting with Lenny".

Gang....The Prince is like an old home to me. I'll always come back and enjoy the good food and great hospitality.

But then again when it comes to the Prince I'm far from impartial.

ANGELA'S COAL FIRED PIZZA SAUGUS MA

We are back again in a new month and we are focusing on Route 1 North pizza places.

Our first is a favorite called Angela's Coal Fired Pizza 880 Broadway Saugus MA. http://www.angelascfp.com/

Karen and I picked up Diane and headed to Route 1 North. In the front of a small strip mall is our destination. We got in just at the right time as our wait for a table was only about 5 minutes. This is a casual place. Open and bright with a small bar area. Staff was friendly and prompt. They cook here in coal fired ovens that reach up to 900 degrees. The thin crust pizza that comes out is cooked quickly and is delicious.

After a round of beverages it was time to order. We decided to get 3 full pizza's knowing we could bring some home.

We started with a favorite of ours which is the chicken wings. Cooked in the high heat ovens they are fall off the bone tasty. Marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, rosemary and garlic and served on homemade focaccia and covered with caramelized onions. Very addicting!

Diane ordered a specialty pie called the "Mushroom Trio".

Portabella, crimini and button mushrooms sautéed in olive oil and burgundy wine over our
truffle mushroom sauce, sprinkled with romano and  topped with shaved parmesan. An earthy taste that we all enjoyed. A mushroom lovers delight.

Karen decided on the "Figaro".

Mission figs with prosciutto and mozzarella, baked then topped with wild arugula, blue cheese,
olive oil, cracked pepper & shaved parmesan cheese. Karen loves figs. The combination of the bitter arugula and the sweet figs really hit home. Fresh tasting!

I decided since they went for fancy I would go more traditional and get my favorite topping - Meatball.

I was eating it and something seemed wrong. Karen said "I think that is sausage!" She called the server over and asked and the server said she thought I said sausage and was very apologetic. I said not to worry as it was fine. The server insisted on making it right and gave us a small meatball pizza to go no charge. Very classy move.

All in all this place is great. I love thin crust pizza and the high oven heat allows the pie to cook fast and the crust to be just the right crispness. So many toppings make for endless variety.

One thought, arrive early or you'll be waiting in line! We will certainly be back!

DONATELLO'S SAUGUS MA

We are a day early this week. As a gift to each other for Valentine's Day, Karen and I made reservations for a wine tour of Italy dinner at Donatello's at 44 Broadway Route 1  Saugus MA. http://danieldicenso.wix.com/donatellos#!

We were greeted on arrival and sent upstairs to a private dining area. It appeared that the size of your reserved party was the size of your table and we were seated at a table for two. Staff was friendly and warm and the decor was elegant.

A couple seated at the next table smiled and said hello as other diners filed into the room. The gentleman at the next table came over and introduced himself as Bob Zohn who, it turns out, would be our guide and resident wine expert for tonight's dinner. With him was his lovely wife Julie. There were about 30 people in attendance.

Bob welcomed all to the evening's meal as the staff poured a 2011 Terlan Pinot Bianco. He explained a lot about the different regions of Italy and how this white was grown and processed. I'm a fan of white wine and enjoyed it very much. It paired with Shrimp Scampi over rabe with sundried tomato, olives and capers. We both enjoyed the dish which had many unique flavors.

So we were on our way as the next course brought us to a different region and Bob told the story of the next wine. It was a 2010 Mastroberendino Lacryma Christi Rosso. A slightly acidic red which paired with cicatelli pasta with a wild mushroom ragu and herbed ricotta. The story is when God ousted Satan from heaven and sent him to Hell, God cried and his tears fell on the region where these grapes are grown. "Lacryma  Christi" is translated as "Tears of Christ".

Our next course was pork loin tonnato over arugula and endive. It was thinly sliced cold pork with a mayonnaise style dressing. Very tasty, however Karen is not much of a cold meat eater but she was happy that we already had our share of greens with each course. It was paired with a 2007 Colombini Brunello di Montalcino. A smoother red with a lot of body.

Our final food course was grilled lamb loin chops with roasted garlic and rosemary with a red wine reduction sauce. I love lamb, Karen does not. She did try it however and came to realize she still doesn't like lamb. Even after numerous glasses of wine. I was in food heaven. On the plate was a half bulb of roasted garlic that you could pick out the sweet cloves and have one with each bite of lamb.

The last wine was a 2009 Zenato Pipassa. A smooth and silky red. Our server commented it was one of her favorites. One we will look for to try at home. Karen and I both enjoyed it very much. Not only because it was like the 8th glass of the night.

Dinner was ended with chocolate cups filled with zabaglione and fresh berries. Sorry there is no picture but it was so good I ate it before I realized I didn't snap one.

Overall, even though a bit expensive, it was a great treat. The owner and host came over to say hello. Bob was quite knowledgeable and humorous during his presentation. The waitstaff was very friendly and accommodating.

These types of diners are held a few times a year and we will be back to enjoy Bob and Julie's company and expertise along with the rest of the crowd that seemed to be regulars.