yumster's Profile
Bresca in Portland....very good indeed!
For my birthday we ventured to the great north and landed in one of my favourite places, Portland. Went to Bresca, beside the police station for dinner. We had not seen it before, so decided to skip Street & Co this time for something new. We had two apps; crostini, and beets with goat cheese. They were both flavourful, and well presented. The beets were scarce though, very tiny squares in a line on the plate, but the cheese and greens together were tasty. We had three crostini, with tomato, olive and red pepper toppings. The staff were very accommodating of my food allergy, and made the crostini to our liking.
For the entree I had basic pasta, in wide strips with very aromatic herbs and zingy sauce. My husband had the black bass, served whole. It was so light and the combination of diced vegetables worked very well.
The place is tiny, it seats 20 people, including the bar area. I thought the bar was a little oddly arranged. You can sit and eat at the bar, but it seems like a big wall of wine and condiments looming over you as you eat. The service was very good, and the noise level was fine. It does get loud when the police are called out, and it made for good conversation between the guests. Tables are at close enough quarters, and it feels like a very friendly neighbourhood eatery. We skipped dessert, as the entrees were enough to sustain us through the snow storm to our hotel.
Wedding reception with great food?
I had my wedding reception at the Four Seasons, they can certainly take care of any and all needs, but you pay, as you know. Anyway, they were very open to our suggestions for menu items, did all we asked and more, and were generally great to work with.
Girls night out, south of Boston
You could try Isabella in Dedham. They now have a full bar and it is a hip and happening place from Thursday through Saturday. They also have a new menu, with a pretty tasty salmon dish. One downer though, they only take reservations for parties of 6 or more, so call ahead if you need that. The general wait at the weekend for a table can be up to an hour in the 7-8 time slot, so come earlier or later to get seated quickly.
Zebra in Medfield is pretty bustling as well, they have a large bar area too. Food quite good, with a whole sushi menu as well. Their cocktails are really tasty.
Have fun and happy birthdays!
