The Round Up: November 2024
Food:
The month kicked off with my parents visiting from SF (read more about it below) and the first night they were here, we made dinner at home. I made this beautiful champagne chicken recipe from Lidey Heuck and it was honestly a show stopper. I have had this chicken before, made by a friend, but I have never made it before. This is one of those recipes that people will think you worked on it for hours, but it is actually pretty simple. The grapes soak in all the amazing chicken flavors and they sort of turn out like savory bobba.
We took a day trip up to Kennebunkport, ME and while the lobster roll shack we wanted to go to was closed for the season, we stumbled upon the Boathouse Hotel & Restaurant and it was such a pleasant surprise. We all ordered full lobsters and honestly, they were perfect! We sat on the deck that is right on the water and it was glorious. We will definitely be back!
While my parents were in town we tried a handful of Boston restaurants and my standout restaurant was definitely Moeca. I was a bit apprehensive at first glance at the menu but everything was truly delicious. The space is amazing (great look bar / vibe), the service was great, the drinks were delicious and the food was even better.
We got invited to a laid back Halloween party and I was asked to bring a charcuterie board. This is what I came up with and I thought it was cute!
We went to get some Portuguese seafood in Gloucester at Azorean Restaurant and we were very pleasantly surprised. I had this dish called a cataplana which is like a brothy paella. When I tell you this was the most tender calamari I have ever had… it was so perfect and tender.
‘Tis the season for all things pumpkin desserts! I started off strong with a household favorite of chocolate chip pumpkin bread and then shortly after made some pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal cookies. I can’t get enough!
We celebrated 2 years of marriage with an omakase dinner at No Relation and it was so fun and delicious. We will definitely be back!
We went to Lexington to check out Nouve Bakery and we were honestly so impressed. The flavors are super fun and well executed and the lamination on the pastries were incredible. I can’t wait to bring everyone who visits us in Boston there!
We went to check out Maruichi Japanese market in Arlington and were so impressed with their fresh sashimi-grade fish that we bought a ton of supplies and did a DIY sushi night at home. It was so fun and I love a specialty market, so we will definitely be doing this often. This is a fun night-in activity that is actually cheaper than going out for a quality sushi meal.
It has been chilly and rainy in SF so nothing sounded better than a warm bowl of wonton soup from Hon’s Wun-Tun House in Chinatown. Their signature bowl of wonton soup is truly unmatched.
Every time we are back home in the Bay Area, my husband and I love to have a date night at Handroll Project in the Mission. It is a small space with sushi bar seating only so it is best for two people or small groups. We love the innovation around their flavors and their fish is always incredibly fresh.
During our first weekend back in California, we took an overnight trip with my family to Carmel. On our way to Carmel, we stopped for brunch in Los Gatos at Los Gatos Cafe. This spot serves up a mean breakfast spread, with large portions and a ton of options. Whenever I see chicken apple sausage on a breakfast menu, you know I have to order it - so I got hash browns, eggs, chicken apple sausage and toast. For the table we also got some blueberry pancakes, an unreal cinnamon roll and some raspberry coffee cake. If you are in the area and looking for a no-fuss breakfast, this is the perfect spot! (It reminds me a lot of Half Day Cafe in Kentfield.)
For our dinner in Carmel-by-the-Sea, we were lucky enough to snag a reservation at La Bicyclette Restaurant and everything was perfect. We had both of their seasonal salads, their roasted mushrooms, the Parisian gnocchi, pasta Bolognese, and a pepperoni pizza. Everything was perfectly done and so delicious. Do not miss their desserts - we had an amazing French-style chocolate mousse, a ricotta crème brule, and a dessert with poached pears, salted caramel and a profiterole. This would be high on my list if you ever need a dinner in Carmel!
Other:
My parents came to visit us for a week for the first time since we moved and we had such a nice and adventurous week! We did a day trip to Kennebunkport, Portsmouth, explored the North Shore, downtown Boston, Beacon Hill and more. Kennebunkport was such a nice day and we got this very cute family picture!
Like I mentioned before, we spent a night in Carmel-by-the-Sea when we first got to California. I haven’t been to Carmel since I was about 10 or so, so it was nice to go back as an adult. It is truly one of the most beautiful places. The coastline is dramatic, the town could not be more charming, and there is a lot to do!
I cruised through the book called Long Bright River by Liz Moore this month. It was an INCREDIBLE book. Hard topic, about addiction and family and where you draw the line. I highly recommend it if you need a read this holiday season. (Liz Moore also wrote God of the Woods!)
Lenny:
