Label it NOTORIOUS

Sicker than your average, Alden & Harlow, was one of the best meals we have had in, like, forever.

Succulents, sugar pumpkin and service. We are in love.

Who wouldn't love Boston Magazine’s Best New Restaurant 2014 or a Bon Appetit Top 50 NewRestaurant nominee?

(photo courtesy of aldenharlow.com)

Our waiter, who was ah-mazing, recommended 2-3 small plates per person. We did 2, and it was perfect. Well, not perfect because we were too full for deconstructed cheesecake. One of three regrets for the night.

We enjoyed:

Charred Broccoli and Squash Hummus

Brussel Sprouts, Gruyere Frico, Burnt Honey Crema

Honey Glazed Burrata, Roasted Pumpkin Caponata

Raw Sugar Pumpkin Salad, Xertoli Almonds, Dates

Pickled Verril Farm Corn Pancakes

Fried Baby Octopus, Honey, Soy and Citrus Glaze, Squid Ink Aioli

(For meaties, our waiter said the best thing on the menu is the secret burger, but it sells out fast! Something about Clams and Pig's Ear is the talk of the town, too!)

Decent beer list.

Regret #2 was not going to the Biggie Brunch in August. Why did we pass this up?? Who doesn’t love a t-bone steak, cheese eggs and welch’s grape or honey butter played toast.

If you know me, you know I’m more of a Biggie fan than Comic-Con fan. But if you love geek-ing out, don’t miss tonight’s Comic-Con themed industry night, with perfectly punned cocktails and snacks. Starts at 10:30, costumes encouraged.

We need more A&H  lunches, brunches and interviews by the pool in our life.

(Oh! Regret #3 was rubbing shoulders with Jonathan Clay at the Middle East and not asking for a photo! If you own a plaid shirt, you were probably there last night, but if not…you NEED to see Jamestown Revival live!)

"Here I go, Here I go, Here I go again..."

"Girls, what's my weakness? Men! Blogging!"
There were two places to be last Friday night. The Salt 'n Pepa concert or Salt 'n Ipswich.

Choo-Chew opted to satisfy our '90s thirst at SALT Kitchen and Rum Bar with debates on which lunch period was better. (I mean seriously, was anyone even in B lunch??)

A Choo-Chew plan was quickly thrown together with Andy already on the train from Boston. Matt joined up in Beverly, and met up with the rest of the group in downtown Ipswich. (The restaurant is a quick jaunt from the train stop.)

Our trip down '90s memory lane continued with a Kelly Kapowski . OK fine, it's really called a Kapowski, but who else could this possibly be named after?! It was the perfect, refreshing summer cocktail.

Other recommendations are: the Haymaker, theWhiskey and the Mutineer.

We may or may not have had a few apps while waiting for Laura and Evan. A delicious cheese plate from Appleton Farms, Pierogis and Chinese Meatball Sliders. They were so yummy, all evidence was removed from the table before they showed up!

Entrees were just as mouth-watering: Fried Chicken and Bacon Waffles, Strip Steak, Barley Risotto, Seafood Puttanesca and Lobster Rueben.

Laura requested "a chocolate-chip, honey dip, can I get a scoop?", so we contemplated taking a ride in the coupe over to Benson's, but instead stayed put for the Blondie Brownie Sundae and SALTed Caramel Ice Cream.

SALT was "born with the thought that our industry should not be just about food and beverage. It is about hospitality. It is about inviting people into your home, feeling comfortable and celebrating with great food and delicious drink." They have absolutely nailed it.

Jaime and I will be visiting again soon, accompanied by sunkissed noses and salty, beach waves.


And, yes, Choo-Chew is still rolling! Stay tuned for more posts about train-accessible restaurants and we are going to push it (push it real good) into other categories that suit our fancy!

Cheers!