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I know you must all be pretty starving at this point... as am I ...to continue with my exciting, delicious adventures and inform you all of just how much you are missing out!

I have put some thought into my new blog posts and I can't wait to share with you all my new ideas. Ever since I was well, old enough to walk, my family always had me somewhere new. A new environment, a new state, a new place I could discover. Due to the fact that my memory isn't the greatest, (many of my close friends would back me up on that), I do not recall many of these places in my early childhood years. However, I do truly believe that my adventurous side, the side of me that would get in her car and just drive, has been instilled in my soul, it makes me who I am.

I often get tired of doing the same thing over and over again, I can't sit still for very long, but when time allows, I travel and explore. I would consider myself a planner, and this has helped me considerably when traveling to new areas. Organization is key, I always have some sort of journal, calendar, or at least a piece of fresh white paper to jot down ideas, thoughts, and plans to make my life easier, at least in my eyes anyway. With research and a plan prior to boarding my flight or arriving to my destination, it only means that I will be able to see, experience, and do more. Now I know some of you out there are saying well she seems a bit crazy, isn't it a leisurely trip, not everything goes as planned, and going with the flow is always fun too. Well it is, no doubt, my boyfriend would agree with you, however for me, each minute is valuable, I wake up early most days, vacation or not, because to me there just aren't enough hours in the day.

My love for writing restaurant reviews while in a new area has led me to the idea of destination blogging. So, rather let me be your trip planner, your personal minute by minute day by day scheduler, to enjoy the full experience of your destination! I never stop thinking, so therefore, I have many ideas buzzing around in my brain and this being my first stab at something new, it will take me a bit of time to post new adventures. However, I am so looking forward to these new and improved posts, and for now I will call them TRIP TIPS! 

Blue Inc. Chef Jason Santos Blesses Boston

Captivating and Cool at Blue Inc Boston

Blue Inc. is a relatively new, intimate yet casual restaurant located in Boston’s Financial District. Some of you foodies may recognize the name Jason Santos from FOX’S television show Hell’s Kitchen, this would be his most recent establishment. He is a well-known chef in the Boston area and is an owner of several other big name restaurants however Blue Inc, in my personal opinion is in all areas, several steps above the rest. I have once sat at the bar at Blue Inc. on a weekday for a quick lunch but have also just recently took a trip into Boston for a sit down dinner at the modern and cozy spot with my family. I of course took a peek at the menu days in advance and had an idea of what I could possibly indulge in. I remembered their special use of liquid nitrogen for some of their specialty cocktails carefully created by there bar managers and was certain to try one out. I had the pumpkin smash which was made with a pumpkin ale paired with a rather large shot of captain morgan rum and vanilla vodka and finished with a brown sugar rim. The presentation was intriguing as the drink came first accompanied by the shot in a tall thin shot glass in which I was given instruction to take it down or pour it in the drink. Hmmm decisions, decisions, I took him up on both, I’m a lightweight! Both Jonathan and Andrew got the Tequila Mockingbird with tequila repasado, st. Germain, rosa regale, fresh lime, sea salt and the incredible ice cold fog like liquid nitrogen. I recommend both! Now lets talk atmosphere and food. The modern design of Blue Inc. gives it a 21^st century feel however with the beautiful portrait of Twiggy that takes up most of the back wall you are transformed back in time. The obvious theme of Blue, my guess would be because of the color of Chef Santos’ hair, is the apparent color of the artistic style interior. Carbs, who doesn’t look forward to the bus boy approaching your table prior to the meal with fresh rolls right out of the oven. Even better when these rolls are warm, soft and sprinkled with sea salt tasting like a pretzel on steroids and complimented with a mustard seed butter making it my ideal starter to any dinner. Be careful you must restrain from ordering more! What I enjoyed most about Blue Inc’s menu is the wide variety of cuisines offered, which are sure to please anyone’s palate. For appetizers we ordered the tempura shrimp, which was sophistically plated a top the lemongrass rice and avocado and the shrimp lightly fried, finished with a lime puree and accompanied with a delicious spicy mayo to complete the appetizer. The problem was, it was gone in the matter of two seconds and we had to order a second, it was definitely a tasty starter. The apps are relatively small great to share with a few people, but if going in with a large party I would consider ordering a couple of things. We also got the BBQ Miso Glazed Chicken Wings that had a green onion dip with an addicting taste that paired so well with the Miso glaze. For the main entrees we ordered the following, the pan roasted chicken breast, porcini-crusted filet mignon, pan-seared rainbow trout and the Blue Inc. burger. I had the pan-roasted chicken breast, which was served with a quinoa salad, brussel sprouts, poached apples and a chicken jus. My chicken was cooked perfectly, was tender and delicious. The quinoa salad with the poached apples was a perfect combination and the brussel sprouts a great addition. I tasted all dishes that were on the table of course and thought very highly of all of them. My second favorite besides my own was the filet mignon as it was perfectly cooked and the herb butter that topped the tender piece of meat was very tasty. The dish was served with rosemary hash browns and a cauliflower gratin, all of which were successfully delicious sides. Jon got the veal cutlet with a butternut squash puree, maple pecan butter and a beet and goat cheese salad, I am not one to get veal often but both Jon and I enjoyed it very much especially with the maple pecan butter that excited the taste buds. After the meal we were all more than satisfied and couldn’t find room for dessert however I’m sure I will be back again and a treat after the meal is a must. Blue Inc. is a perfect spot for all, with its casual yet slightly upscale feel, the cool vibe, fantastic cocktails, and unique and delicious menu offerings it will leave you content and anxious to return to try something new and exciting. 

xoxoGourmetGirl

Blue Inc. Boston's New "Cool" spot

Fabulous food and crazy cocktails!

Arthur and Pat's Lunch

Super Specialties

Arthur and Pat's Lunch

Apparently, I just couldn’t stay away from Arthur and Pat’s delightful atmosphere and delicious food, the very next day after a morning at the beach my mother and I stopped in for lunch. We were greeted seated and a big ole pitcher of water was placed on the table which I personally think is a great idea, who doesn’t need some quality H20 after a day in the sun? Come to find out they serve breakfast all day which is always good to know, however we were in the mood and excited to try out their lunch specialties. There were so many options on the menu as well as their daily specials on the white boards. Signature salads, sandwiches, and main stars consisting of fresh seafood were all a part of the extensive palate pleasing menu. They have a variety of grilled chicken sandwiches including a chicken pesto a chicken Florentine and a chicken classico with eggplant, sweet roasted peppers and provolone cheese. Plenty of club sandwiches to choose from as well as unique burger options and Italian styled dishes. I decided on a caesar salad they had on special today, with sautéed shrimp, grilled asparagus, roasted grape tomatoes, garlic, croutons and fresh mozzarella as well as shaved parmesan to finish the scrumptious salad. The flavors worked so well together the caesar dressing was so tasty and the croutons were homemade, packed with flavor. The shrimp was perfectly cooked and so fresh and the garlic with the roasted tomatoes all added to a perfect dish. My mom got a grilled cheese with fontina and asparagus on sourdough bread served with a tomato dipping sauce and french fries. The cheese was perfectly melted slightly oozing out of the sides of the grilled golden brown toast and the asparagus was such a great accent and adds personality to a traditional grilled cheese sandwich. Both our dishes were so tasty the flavors on point and the freshness of the ingredients makes a foodie like me pleased. The waitress was so friendly and was a great salesperson for their dreamy mouthwatering coconut cake. We got it to go but she made us try a bite in house and we are glad we did so rich in flavor, the cake so moist one of the best I have ever tasted. The rest is sitting on my kitchen table so with that being said go to Arthur and Pat’s for breakfast for lunch whatever it is you will not leave disappointed! 

Arthur and Pat's

Specialty fourth of July waffle and the organic sunny side eggs YUM!

Arthur and Pat's, Marshfield MA

Being a breakfast person I have heard much about this unique and small yet unforgettable place located in Marshfield just seconds from my favorite beach spots. My first time going was just recently on July 4^th of course a holiday and this area being particularly busy during this time, the breakfast & lunch quaint restaurant had a line out the door. We were fortunate enough to get a spot at the counter and when walking in you are welcomed with colorful signs, displaying their offerings as well as pictures of the owner with celebrities of varying talents from music to cuisine. Once up at the counter we were greeted by several friendly waitresses in tie die shirts giving the place a very friendly comfortable and inviting atmosphere.  Coffee is my addiction but at Arthur and Pat’s I think I died when it read cappuccino as an option on their menu boards, which are displayed for the restaurant to see. On top of what they offer everyday on their menu boards you will also receive a special menu with at least 10 breakfast items ranging from multigrain waffles with almonds and raspberry coulis to a scrambled migas, a texas styled scrambled with tortilla strips and fresh verde sauce. Not many breakfast places offer fresh fruit on their menu but not only is the fruit fresh all the ingredients they are cooking with back in the kitchen are. Lucky for us since it was the holiday they had a specialty red white and blue waffle which included a blueberry crumble fresh strawberries and whipped cream. This Belgian waffle was perfectly browned, soft but not soggy and the blueberry crumble was something I’ve never had on a waffle before rather this particular crumble ever. It was flavorful addicting and with just the right combination of a sweet strawberry, the crumble, whipped cream and that mouthwatering waffle on your fork I was left completely satisfied and an empty plate within seconds. I ordered the organic sunny side up eggs with grilled asparagus, shaved Parmesan and a truffle salt that was just slightly sprinkled over the dish which also included a small mixed green salad and multigrain toast. This dish was spot on, all ingredients worked so well together and the asparagus was cooked perfectly with just the right char and bite to it, not a fan of soggy asparagus that’s for sure! I’m not a fan of truffle but this salt with the combination of egg and asparagus really accented and brought out the flavors making it the perfect start to my day. Chris ordered an original 2 egg breakfast off the board with egg whites home fries, rye toast and bacon. An option for their home fries, is getting them loaded with peppers onions and a béchamel sauce. Chris opted out but of course I wish he hadn’t, because rumor has it these home fries are all the rage.  However he was left full as the portions are big and absolutely worth the cost. Everything on the menu is unique and fresh which is necessary to maintaining a successful restaurant. Apparently it’s also BYOB which come on who wouldn’t want to take advantage of that! With the many different options Arthur and Pat’s offers for breakfast I knew I had to try lunch!