Alibi Patio Party - June 8, 2010

The list that gained me entry into the exclusive invite-only Citysearch party at Alibi: http://boston.citysearch.com/list/199571

The staff at Alibi were kind enough to put aside an area of lounge seats and a few couches for our takeover.  The night started off with a review of their drink menu and complimentary beverages on the bar.  I started trying the "Sanchez" (mix of cazadores reposado, lime, oj, and agave nectar) served on the rocks.

The staff were beyond hospitable and then brought us out bites from their Scampo Bar Bites menu.  One of my favorites which I do not have a picture of, were these cheese quesedilla type bites, lightly fried with gooey cheese, a nice pairing to the strong tequila.  The following pictures are a small sampling of the food we tried.

Caprese Salad

Truffled Polenta Fries

Asparagus Pizza

Kristen (www.beantownsocialite.com) and I (note the lovely Kate Spade earrings - thanks to avelle.com)

The drink I finished with and liked the most was "Rehab" (stoli ohranj, st germain, and prosecco) - fantastic!  It was great to see everyone and I finally got to meet Robin (@Dovesandfigs her blog is: www.dovesandfigs.wordpress.com) and her friend and we all shared a great conversation.

Smiling girl to the left is Josie! (@josieboston and www.thejosiebean.wordpress.com)

It was a great evening and cannot wait to see everyone again.  Big thank yous to Citysearch Boston (Christine) for setting it up and Alibi Bar and Lounge for their generous offerings of food and drink, and the $20 gift certificate for a return visit!  I will be back soon.

Stone Hearth Pizzapolooza! May 26, 2010

My first experience at Stone Hearth Pizza in their Porter Square location was absolutely amazing.  If you are looking for a fresh and varied (and even gluten free) spin on pizza, then look no further than SHP.  Occasionally specials run on sites like buywithme.com and groupon.com for half priced gift certificates - which allows you to try even more of the menu.

Our entire meal was paired with an expert on beer who explained each brew choice and the chef Michael Ehlenfeldt to discuss the mission and history of Stone Hearth.  I found the fact that he imports some of his own vegetables and herbs from his farm into the menu extremely impressive. 

One of our many appetizers - a crispy and savory parmesan flatbread served with their Melanzana (eggplant dip).  Marinated Olives and gazpacho accompanied the meatballs shown below.

My favorite appetizer was the Arugula and Portobello salad topped with a shaved local cheese akin to the flavor and texture of parmesan cheese.  The mushrooms melted in your mouth and found the perfect marriage with the arugula, cheese and light dressing.

We tried many different types of their pizza, my personal favorites being the Homemade Sausage and Carmelized Onion, and the Bacon and Blue.  The entire menu can be viewed here: http://www.stonehearthpizza.com/shp_menu.pdf

The meal was paired with some great beers - the best being the Allagash that has a touch of Bourbon and is aged in barrels.

One of my favorite (and I believe tastiest) events we have had so far.  Many thank yous to Michael, and the rest of the staff at the Porter Square location, and of course Citysearch Boston!