A touch of the South here in the North
We are so lucky to have no shortage of amazing restaurants here in Cambridge; Upstairs on the Square, Rialto and Bondir just to name a few. I have a long list of other restaurants I want to try and someday I intend to make it to them all. However, when push comes to shove and it’s time to make a decision of where to dine I seem to keep returning to the same wonderful place, Hungry Mother. There are many reasons I have become a repeat offender at this southern inspired restaurant, first and foremost the food. It is not fussy, it is not overworked, the technique and ingredients shine. You feel welcomed and comfortable from the moment you walk in the door. I am completely in love the rustic decor with subtle modern hints. Beautiful wooden table tops not mussed up with a table cloth.
Each time the menu, while staying true to it’s southern roots, has delighted with different options. However, an item that hasn’t changed is the boiled peanuts. With beautiful flecks of Maine sea salt and a soft meaty interior they are addictive yet not heavy and filling. We also thoroughly enjoyed the Fried Oysters with Maine shrimp buttered grits, pickled ramps and bourbon smoked paprika oil and the festively named Southern Vibes which on this trip had a beautiful country ham, pimento cheese, and 26 month aged benton’s ham. We were also treated to gift from the kitchen, absolutely divine Deviled chip-in eggs with bacon and smoked paprika.
Simple beautiful food.
I am not going to go on and on about the execution of the food and how the flavors worked with each other I will leave that to the professionals. Bottom line everything I tasted, and I tasted everything at the table was simply delicious, warmed your soul and made you want to eat more of it. To me this is how food should be.
While, the food is the star no doubt. What truly leaves a lasting impression and continues to draw me back is the service. As someone who has devoted their life to service I can be very difficult to please. Hungry Mother has impressed me time and time again.
Can’t help but love that many of the local products we are so fond of; Gritty McDuff’s, Cape Ann Brewery, Berkshire Mountain Distillers, Bully Boy and, Pretty Things can be found on their drink menu.
While, I will try to branch out I know it won’t be long till I head back to get my fix of everything that is Hungry Mother.
Posted by Alison Doughty, Hotel Manager at Hotel Veritas
Bar Hopping in Harvard Square
I tend to bar hop a bit, and Harvard Square is ideal for this little hobby. This past Friday was a beautiful (and not too chilly) night to wander around the Square. We started early at the Russell House Tavern, one of our favorite local spots. Chef Michael Scelfo not only knows how to butcher a pig, but he’s kind enough to share pictures while he’s doing it. I recommend following his tweets. RHT serves Jack D’Or from Pretty Things, so I’m always happy there.
Next, we swung by the newly opened First Printer, on Dunster Street. New, as in a week old. The bartender was very nice and clearly excited to have the bar full. Enjoyed a bowl of Guinness Beef Stew. Of course, I’ll never judge a restaurant on one visit, especially during opening week – so I’ll definitely go back.
Thought we’d go visit our great friends at Upstairs on the Square, but they were closing early for a private event for Hasty Pudding. We could only enjoy one quick cocktail. They recently renovated and added a new bar and pizza oven and we’ll head over again soon to try those out.
Rialto was our next sipping spot. We love the bar here because the service is always wonderful and the cocktails tasty. Jody Adams is one of the nicest chefs we know and always incredibly generous. The patrons are quite interesting and you’ll never know which Nobel winner you’ll be sitting beside.
Last stop was Charlies Kitchen because I had a hankering for a double cheeseburger.
Posted by Benson Willis, General Manager of Hotel Veritas
Benson Willis
Hotel Veritas
Hotel Veritas in Harvard Square 