The Passionate Foodie

Việt Citron, in Burlington, is one of my regular lunch spots and I've previously reviewed the restaurant a couple times. They commonly offer seasonal specials, and I generally order these items, trying something new. Recently, at limited times, they have been offering Xôi Bắp (Ma Homie Sticky Rice), which is composed of "Fragrant hominy corn steamed w/ sticky rice, topped w/ crushed mung beans, fresh fried shallots, and sesame sugar."Rosebud American Kitchen & Bar is well known for its pies and desserts, and those items are now available from the new Elm Street Sweets in Somerville. You can order online a variety of pies, cakes, cookies and other desserts and pick them up later at Rosebud. Options include items like Pumpkin Whoopie Pies, Snickerdoodle Cookies, Blueberry Crumble Pie, Pecan Carrot Cake, Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies, and more. 

As I recently mentioned, Osteria Posto and Posto Bedford have a couple new menu items, including Half Pizzas and Panuozzo, open-faced, wood-fired bread sandwiches. I wanted to check them out so I recently had lunch at Posto Bedford, my first time at this new location. It's a large restaurant, with ample seating, and has a nice ambiance. It would be great for a family outing, a date, a business meeting, or just a casual get-together with friends.

The bar is impressive, and quite large, with seating available on both of the longer sides.

And one of the key features of the restaurant is their wood-fired oven, which is visible from the dining room. At Posto Bedford, there are 14 Pizza choices, both Red and White, and they are all available as Half-Pizzas. All of the Pizzas are $15 for a whole pizza and $9 for a half-pizza. To make a half-pizza, they simply use half the amount of dough and create more of an oval pizza rather than their usual round pizzas.

For Red pizzas, you could order a simple Margherita Pizza (mozzarella, parmesan, olive oil, basil, sea salt) or a heartier Porchetta Pizza (fennel roasted pork, fontina, asiago, parmesan, red onion, oregano). For White pizzas, you could opt for the Apple Pizza (gorgonzola crema, applewood bacon, caramelized onions, arugula, vin cotto) or the spicy Shishito Pizza (shishito crema, guanciale, fontina, parmesan, chili oil).

As for Panuozzo, there are 8 choices ($12-$14), and they come with French Fries. For example, you could order the Chicken Milanese ($12) with broccoli rabe, roasted peppers, provolone, and garlic aioli. Or try the Parma ($14), with San Danielle prosciutto, arugula, shaved parmesan, and lemon vinaigrette.

We began with a couple Half-pizzas, including the Bianco (fontina, asiago, mozzarella, basil, parmesan). This white pizza was excellent and tasty, with a fine blend of cheese and crust. The crust had such an appealing texture, with a bit of char, and was light and airy, as well as a little chewy. And all of the various cheeses made for a melty mix of cheesy deliciousness. I've had the whole pizzas at the Somerville location of Posto as well as Osteria Posto, and the half-pizza is a little different, with a bit of a thicker crust. I enjoy both types of pizza, but I might have to give a slight edge to the half-pizza as the crust is so tasty and having a little more of it is a pleasure.

I also tried the Toscano, a red pizza with with salumi, pepperoni, sausage, roasted garlic, and oregano. Again, it was absolutely delicious, with an ample amount of tasty meats, with a little spicy heat, and large pieces of garlic. The crust was similar to the Bianco, giving enough weight to the crust to hold all of the toppings. I would definitely order either of these pizzas again.

Finally, I tried the Meatball Panuozzo ($12), made with housemade meatballs, mozzarella, and pomodoro. They make their meatballs from a blend of beef, pork and veal, and I ordered, and greatly enjoyed, them before at their other restaurants, sometimes as an appetizer and other times atop a pizza. They certainly didn't disappoint this time, and this hearty sandwich was filled with plenty of flavorful meatballs slices, lots of gooey mozzarella, and an appealing sauce. Plus, that bread was compelling, the same type of dough used to make their pizza crusts. The french fries were crisp and tasty too. An excellent choice for lunch.

I'll definitely be returning to Posto Bedford and I heartily recommend it to all my readers. In addition, let me give you another reason to dine there. On Monday nights (like tonight!), they offer an All-You-Can Eat Pizza & Pasta special for only $21. The special includes all of the pizzas and pasta  on their menu, so you have plenty of choices, and can explore many different options. This is a great deal so get some friends or family together and check it out.

Some food traditions seem to get lost in the past, yet they can be quite fascinating and some may even be worth reviving. For example, there is an old tradition involving cheese fondue. Diners commonly dipped, at the end of long forks, cubes of bread into the melted cheese. If a man's bread fell off his fork into the fondue, then he had to buy a round of drinks for everyone else at the table. If a woman's bread fell off her fork, she had to kiss every man at the table. Reviving this tradition might help promote fondue.

Over five years ago, I had my first dining experience at The Melting Pot in Bedford-Burlington, one of the few local restaurants where you can experience fondue. I enjoyed my dinners at The Melting Pot and have returned a number of times over the past years. I like the idea of fondue, and feel it can be both fun and intimate. Nestled in the Lover's Lane section, a couple gains a measure of privacy and sharing fondue is quite an intimate act. Larger groups can have plenty of fun with fondue and I once attended a friend's birthday party there. The Melting Pot is a restaurant I have long recommended and continue to do so.

Recently, I was invited to The Melting Pot as a media guest to check out a few of their new menu items, and once again I had a delicious and intimate dinner, sitting in the Lover's Lane section.  

We began with the Bacon & Brie Cheese Fondue, which is made from baby Brie, Gruyere, Emmenthaler, white wine, applewood smoked bacon, chopped onions, mustard, and cracked black pepper. The smoky bacon aromas are prominent as the fondue is prepared in front of you. That bacon flavor also came out in the taste, combining with the savory cheese elements. A potent combination. Though I like dipping bread into the cheese, I especially enjoy the chunks of green apple, which have a nice crispness and a certain tartness. This is a fine, new addition to their cheese fondue selections.

The Strawberry Almond Salad is another new addition, with sliced strawberries, honey roasted sliced almonds, crumbled feta, and greens topped by a Raspberry Black Walnut Vinaigrette. A good combination of fresh flavors and textures.

Going a little old school, I chose the Wisconsin Wedge, an iceberg wedge with Roma tomatoes, applewood smoked bacon and a large chunk of Emmi Roth Kase Gorgonzola. Rather than the usual dressing, I opted instead for the Burgundy Shallot warm salad dressing. I loved the dressing, with its rich flavors, and it went well with the salad ingredients. Plus, the hunk of sharp Gorgonzola was very pleasing.

The restaurant has started a new program, Fondue-for-U, where each diner can select their own entree by choosing 3 items from a 14 choice list. At $19 per person, this is now the least expensive entree option on the menu. Plus, if you get a salad with your entree, it only costs an additional $6, which is a $2 savings off the usual salad price. As there were two of us, we each chose three different items, planning to share. We ended up with filet mignon, shrimp, chicken, BBQ pork tenderloin, Andouille sausage, and duck breast. We also selected the Bourguignonne cooking style, hot oil to cook our food. In addition, you receive two batters, sesame seed and tempura, with six sauces, including Gorgonzola Port, Teriyaki, Sweet & Sour, Green Goddess, Spicy Cocktail, and Curry.

This was actually my first time ordering this cooking style and I enjoyed dipping some of the meats, like the duck and chicken, in the different batters, creating a nice coating. The meats were generally tender and flavorful, and my favorite sauce was the creamy Gorgonzola Port. We had plenty to eat and I like the concept of getting to personalize your entree choices. Plus, it is even cheaper than the other entrees.


We had just enough room for dessert. Another new addition is the White Chocolate Creme Brulee, which is lit on fire table side. Even if you are not usually a fan of white chocolate, you will likely enjoy this tasty dessert fondue. The caramelized sugars atop the fondue added a crunchy element, which I especially enjoyed with the fruit. You also have plenty of other sweets to dip, from marshmallows to cheesecake. It was a fine way to end our dinner.

The Melting Pot has remained consistent over the years and you should check out their new fondue menu. I know some people are reluctant to visit The Melting Pot because they believe it is too expensive. That is a misconception and breaking down the costs shows it is much more reasonably priced than many realize. Two people can enjoy a 4 Course meal for a total of $82-$96. How many other places can two people go and get a 4 course meal for under $100?

If you don't want 4 courses, you can order as few as you like, even just a Dessert fondue. The Cheese fondue ($17) and Dessert fondues ($19) are intended for 2 people to share, so the price per person is only $8.50 and $9.50, which is similar, if not less expensive, than what Appetizers and Desserts cost at many other places. And with the new Fondue-for-U, your entree only costs $19 per person. So give The Melting Pot a try.

I am back with a special Friday edition of Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I briefly highlight some interesting wine and food items that I have encountered recently. For this edition, I offer several suggestions for New Year's Eve and the Feast of the Seven Fishes.
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1)  Enzo Restaurant & Bar, in Newburyport, is celebrating The Feast of the Seven Fishes, the traditional Christmas Eve dinner throughout Italy.  The Feast is available on Friday, December 23rd and Saturday, December 24th by reservation only. This menu is $50 per person with a minimum of two people per Feast. As their menu utilizes only sustainably sourced fish and shellfish, some dishes may change slightly between now and the 23rd and 24th due to availability. Their full menu will also be available for those diners who are not fish fans.

Antipasti
Fritto misto / Fried calamari and vegetables
Insalata di baccala alla casalinga / House-cured salt cod salad
Pate di pesce affumicato / House-smoked bluefish paté
Insalata di casa / Mixed greens salad
Pasta e pesci
Branzino arrosto / Roasted striped bass
Cozze e vongole alla griglia / Broiled clams and mussels
Lasagna della Viglia / Lasagna with anchovy, a traditional Piemontese Christmas Eve pasta
Sarde in saor / Sweet and sour mullet, a traditional Venetian dish
Polenta
Verdure / Assortment of seasonal vegetables
Dolci
Biscotti / An assortment of holiday cookies
Gelati / House made gelato

Call them at 978-462-1801 to reserve your table.

2)  Enzo Restaurant & Bar is also celebrating New Year's Eve by offering a four-course menu designed especially for this evening. Dinner will be served from 5pm-10pm. The cost is $65 per person and wine pairings will also be available. As they use only humanely-raised meat and 100% sustainably-sourced seafood in their menus, some dishes may change slightly between now and the 31st.

This special evening is available by reservation only, therefore they request a credit card number to hold all reservations. Cancellations must be received at least 24 hours in advance to avoid a $50 per person fee.

Diners can select from one of four offerings for each course.

First course
Selection of salumi (some house-made, some not), gnoccho fritto and pickled veg
Oysters on the half shell, mignonette
Butternut squash bisque with seared gnocchi
House-made salt cod fritters, balsamic vinegar aioli
Second course
Duck conserva raviolo with egg yolk, duck sugo, crisp leeks
House-smoked duck breast, brussels sprouts slaw, quince mostardo
Parsnip sformato winter spinach salad
Winter greens salad with citrus and pomegranate
Third course
Braised cotechino with lentils and crispy pork belly, pickled red cabbage
Beef filet and butter-poached lobster, potato purée, butter-braised spinach
Crespelle with roasted mushrooms, ricotta mousse, roasted tomato sugo
Pan-roasted striped bass, citrus butter, braised fennel crispy fingerlings
Dessert
Crema fritta, chocolate sauce, gianduja gelato
Chocolate torte, glazed chestnut ice cream
Lambrusco-baked pears, almond gelato, pistachio brittle
Bruléed honey-lemon tart, mascarpone-zabaglione mousse

Call them at 978-462-1801 to reserve your table.

3)  Ring in the New Year with 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar in Salem. Chef/Owner Antonio Bettencourt is preparing a special four-course prix fixe menu for $70 per person ($90 with optional wine pairing) featuring his modern take on regional Italian dishes. Diners’ can also elect to dine à la carte and order from the regular dinner menu. This event takes place on Saturday, December 31st, 2011 from 5pm-11:30pm. Reservations are necessary so please call 978-744-0062.

Antipasti
Burrata (Just-warmed burrata over grilled ciabatta with pickled golden raisins & pinenuts)
Pork Belly (Confit pork belly over polenta with bosc pear mostarda)
Primi
Garganelli (Hand rolled garganelli with red wine braised duck, dried cherries, pinenuts & Tuscan kale)
Ravioli (Swiss chard and ricotta ravioli, braised artichokes, basil & preserved lemon vinaigrette)
Secondi
Zuppa di Pesce (Lobster, mussels, scallops and halibut in a spicy tomato and saffron brodetto)
Duo of Veal (Slow roasted veal sirloin and braised short rib, hen of the woods mushrooms & roasted cipolla)
Dolce
Torta al Caprino (Mascarpone and goat’s cheese tort with red wine spiced dried plums)
Warm Toffee Pudding (With toffee sauce and whipped cream)

4)  This Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, from 5pm-9pm, Owner & Executive Chef Anthony Caturano will “The Feast of the Seven Fishes” at Prezza in Boston’s North End. This traditional Italian feast will be presented over five courses and features the following dishes:

First Course
Crispy Shrimp (With Italian slaw and cherry pepper aioli)
Second Course
Wood Grilled Squid & Octopus (With white beans)
Third Course
Tagliatelle (With scallops, shrimp, garlic and olive oil)
Fourth Course
Wood Grilled Swordfish (With saffron rice, beans and mussels)
Fifth Course
Bread Pudding

The Cost is $60 per person and you should call 617-227-1577 to make reservations.

5) Ring in the New Year at The Melting Pot in Bedford with a 5-course dining experience created just for the occasion. The Cost is $75 per Person (+ tax & 20% gratuity) or $65 per Person for reservations seated before 6:00pm (+ tax & 20% gratuity) and both include a Champagne toast with dessert (1 glass per person). Call (781) 791-0529 to make Reservations.

First Course
Champagne Swiss or Baked Potato Cheddar Fondue
Second Course
Colossal Shrimp Cocktail or Lemon Sorbet
Third Course
House or Caesar Salad
Fourth Course
Lobster Tail or Choice Angus Sirloin, accompanied by Shrimp, Buffalo Chicken, Memphis BBQ Pork Tenderloin & Wild Mushroom Sacchetti.
Cooking Styles: Court Bouillon, Bourguignonne, Mojo or Coq au Vin.
Fifth Course
(Accompanied by a Champagne Toast)
Bananas Foster or Snickerdoodle Chocolate Fondue

Vegetarian and Children's Options also available.

6)  Legal Harborside will celebrate its first New Year’s Eve under the stars at Liberty Wharf this year. Hosted atop the roof at Legal Harborside in a glass-enclosed space, you can bid adieu to 2011 and welcome 2012. In addition to being supplied with festive noisemakers and hats, individual tickets to this sky-high soiree include the features as listed below. Legal Harborside will also offer table reservations to this year-end celebration (which includes the all of the following plus a bottle of bubbly – Adriano Adami “Dei Casel” Prosecco – and an appetizer platter):

Raw Bar, from 9pm – 11pm
Shrimp cocktail, four varieties of oysters, clams
Passed Hors D’oeuvres, from 10pm – 12am
Legal’s signature favorites
Midnight Toast with Bubbly at 12am
Adriano Adami “Dei Casel” Prosecco
Sweet Ending Dessert Bar from 12am – 1am
Chocolate dipped strawberries, towers of assorted cupcakes

COST: Individual tickets are available in advance for $80 per person by visiting www.legalseafoods.com. Individual tickets are available at the door for $100 per person on a limited basis. Table reservations are available in advance for $400 (for four people). Up to two additional guests may join the table for $60 per person. Access to this event will only be granted to guests with a ticket receipt and a 21+ ID.

7)  The Beehive, in Boston's South end, will be open on Christmas Eve for dinner and live music. The night will feature live music from Jazzy Soul with the Marty Rowen Band from 8pm-12am, with dinner served from 5pm-11pm.

For more information or reservations visit www.beehiveboston.com or call (617) 423-0069.

March is shaping up to be Sake Month in the Boston area as I will be presiding at several sake events, including a class, a couple tastings and a dinner. These should all be fun, informative and interesting and I hope to see many of you there.  This is the perfect time to learn more about sake, and to correct your misconceptions about this compelling drink.  Plus, there are more potential events in the near future which should prove equally as interesting. 

1) Want to learn more about Sake? Then you can do so at my upcoming "Chilling With Sake" class at the Boston Wine School on Wednesday, March 16, at 6:30pm. This will be a fun introduction to the realm of sake, covering diverse topics such as sake history, the brewing process, sake types, rituals & customs, terminology and much more. No prior knowledge of sake is required to take this class.  We will taste through a number of sakes, as well as enjoy sushi. Don't be intimidated by sake any longer. Instead, arm yourself with the knowledge you need to safely navigate a restaurant's sake menu or a wine store's sake selection.

2) After the recent fun and success of the Sherry and Thai dinner, I will be returning to Ronnarong in Somerville on March 8, Thai Tapas Tuesday, for Sake and Thai. The details are still being worked out, such as which Sakes will be poured, but mark down the date on your calendar. Space will be limited so once sign up starts, you should reserve a space quickly to ensure you can be there. Thai Tapas Tuesdays are held on the second Tuesday of each month. Order a drink and your tapas is free! (drink price must equal or exceed tapas price)

3) Almost in my backyard, I will be presiding at a Sake tasting at the Wine Cellar of Stoneham, located in the B.J.s Wholesale Club in Stoneham, tentatively scheduled for March 20, from 1pm-3pm..  The store was a Runner-Up Discount Wine Store in my 2010: Favorite Wine & Spirit Related Items.  They have excellent, discounted prices and the sakes I will be pouring will have some of the lowest prices in the state.

4) Pizzeria Posto, located just off Davis Square, was one of my Favorite Restaurants of 2010, and has a top notch brunch, delicious pizzas and killer pasta. I am currently working with Chef/owner Joseph Cassinelli on a Sake-paired Italian dinner for a likely Tuesday or Wednesday night during the last two weeks in March.  This multi-course dinner will showcase several different sakes, presenting how sake can pair well with Italian cuisine. Think umami, as that fifth taste will be put to the test.  More details will soon follow and I think this dinner will really be an exciting experience.

5) Very tentatively, there could be a Sake-pairing dinner in the future at The Melting Pot.  First, Sake and cheese is a great pairing so a cheese fondue would work well with sake. Second, the entree fondues certainly resembles Japanese shabu-shabu, and sake would likely pair well with that too. The type of fondue broth would certainly dictate the type of sake to pair with it, but that would just be a matter of the proper combination.  And there are dessert-style sakes you could pair with chocolate fondue too.  So, when I know more details about the possibility of Sake & Fondue, I will post about it.

6) There are a couple other potential events that I am working on, but can't reveal the details yet.  Please also remember that if you want to run a sake-event at your wine store, restaurant, school, function, etc., please contact me to discuss it.  Sake is a very versatile, diverse and delicious beverage.

With Valentine's Day about a month away, it is time to start considering where you wish to take your loved one. Some places fill up quickly so it is best to make reservations as soon as possible.

One potential choice is the The Melting Pot for a five-course fondue feast. This feast will be offered on both Saturday, February 13th and Sunday, February 14th. The cost is $60 per person (with 7% tax & 20% gratuity added). For parties of 5 or more, there is a reduced cost of $55. All coupons, promotional offers and Restaurant.com certificates are not valid on Valentine's weekend.

Menu

First Course
Cranberry Walnut Cheese Fondue
or
Smoked Salmon & Vodka Cheese Fondue

Second Course
Strawberry Hearts Salad
or
Alpine Ridge Salad

Third Course
Lemon Sorbet

Fourth Course
Valentine's Feast (Filet Mignon, Sauerbraten NY Strip, Hefeweizen Marinated Shrimp, Garlic-Crusted Chicken, Applewood-Smoked Bratwurst, Sun-dried Tomato Ravioli)
Or
Cupid's Delight (Lobster Tail, Sauerbraten NY Strip, Hefeweizen Marinated Shrimp, Garlic-Crusted Chicken, Applewood-Smoked Bratwurst, Sun-dried Tomato Ravioli)

Fifth Course
Choccocino Chocolate Fondue
or
Passion Fruit Yin & Yang Chocolate Fondue

The Melting Pot
213 Burlington Rd. (Rt.62)
Bedford, MA
Phone: 781-791-0529

Ring in the New Year with The Melting Pot for fun and fondue. Celebrate with a special five-course dining experience created just for the occasion.

Reservations required.

New Year’s Eve Menu

First Course
Smoked Salmon Bruschetta (Smoked Salmon and capers with a zesty lemon feta dressing served atop toasted baguette slices.)

OR

Traditional Tomato Bruschetta (An Italian relish of diced tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, basil and garlic; served on toast and sprinkled with Parmesan.)

Second Course
Champagne Swiss Cheese Fondue (Emmenthaler & Gruyere cheeses combined in a champagne base, blended with roasted garlic, nutmeg and lemon.)

OR
Boston Lager Cheddar Cheese Fondue (Aged Cheddar Cheese blended with Sam Adams Boston Lager, Tabasco, Worcestershire Sauce and chopped Chives)

Third Course
House Salad (Crisp Greens, Roma Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Eggs & Emmenthaler cheese served with either our sweet & tangy House or Peppercorn Ranch Dressing.)

OR
California Salad (Mixed baby Salad Greens, Tomatoes, Walnuts & Gorgonzola Cheese with a Raspberry Walnut Vinaigrette Dressing.)

Fourth Course
An Entree of Lobster Tail, Filet Mignon, Sauerbraten NY Strip, Applewood Smoked Bratwurst, Hefeweizen Marinated Shrimp, Roasted Garlic Crusted Chicken, Sun Dried Tomato Ravioli and Fresh Vegietables
Cooked in Your Choice of Cooking Style.
*See below for vegetarian and children’s options.

Fifth Course
(Accompanied by a Champagne Toast)
Apple Cobbler Chocolate Fondue (White chocolate with Seasoned Apples, Streusel Topping and Spices.)

OR
White, Milk or Dark Chocolate Swirled with a Liqueur of Your Choice

*Vegetarian Entree - Fresh Vegetables, Tofu, Artichoke Hearts, Portobello Mushrooms, Spinach/Artichoke Raviolis.

*Child Entree - Teriyaki Sirloin, Breast of Chicken, Shrimp, Spinach/Artichoke Raviolis

Price:
5-Course Dinner Menu $75/person
Vegetarian $55/person
Child (4 course) $40/person
(under 12 and only available for reservations seated by 7:00pm)
Tax (7%) and minimum gratuity (20%) will be added to all bills.

I have been to their New Year's Eve dinner before and had a delicious and enjoyable dinner. So I do recommend this spot for your celebration.

The Melting Pot
213 Burlington Rd. (Rt.62)
Bedford, MA
Phone: 781-791-0529

Ever wanted to replicate the delicious fondues of The Melting Pot at home? If so, they are offering a class to help teach you the art of making fondue. Join the Melting Pot's Tampa-based Executive Chef Shane Schaibly for a fondue class paired with 3 delicious wines. Not only do you get to make the food, you get to eat it as well. A wine expert from Gordon's Fine Wines and Liquors will also be on hand to provide education on the wines served and Still River Winery will be available to discuss their Apfel Eis, an excellent apple ice wine.

Proposed Syllabus

Introduction: Chef Shane will guide you through the history of fondue.

1st Course: Learn how to make their new Alp and Dell Cheese Fondue.
First, taste the 3 cheeses they use in this fondue before they are melted. Then, follow Chef Shane as he takes you through the steps needed to create this delicious combination of white wine, garlic, whole grain mustard and nutmeg, with a smooth blend of award-winning Gruyère, Raclette and Fontina cheeses.
--Wine Pairing: Jekel Riesling

2nd Course: Fondue-Style Entrees and Sauces.
Learn how to make their Gorgonzola Port sauce accompanied with Filet Florentine
--Wine Pairing: El Portillo Malbec

3rd Course: Learn how to make their White Chocolate Apple Cobbler Fondue.
Learn how to artfully swirl white chocolate with seasoned apples, streusel topping and spices.
--Wine Pairing: Still River Winery Apfel Eis Apple Ice Wine

*Offers, coupons, promos and Restaurant.com certificates cannot not be used for this event. Tax and gratuity not included. Reservations recommended.

The Melting Pot
213 Burlington Rd. (Rt.62)
Bedford, MA
Phone: 781-791-0529

My new column of "A Passionate Foodie" can be found in the October 7 issue of the Stoneham Sun newspaper. This is a weekly column that concentrates on reviews of local restaurants though it also sometimes touches on other food and wine topics.

The new column has been published today and will be available online soon. The new article discusses two bargain value lunch options, including Prince Pizzeria (with an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet) and Bamboo (an all-you-can-eat Asian buffet). If you are starving, and low on cash, these are two places to consider.

If you have any questions or comments about my column, feel free to add them here.

Dine with passion

The Melting Pot restaurants of Massachusetts and Rhode Island are starting off the Fall on a charitable kick. During the month of September, the Bedford, MA, Boston, MA, Framingham, MA and Providence, RI locations are offering customers two different ways to "dip into something different" and help out great causes at the same time.

Why not enjoy some good food while contributing to two good causes? Sounds like a very good idea to me.

Between September 15th and the 22nd, each location is partnering with The Estee Lauder Companies to host an event to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF). Each restaurant will be offering either a percentage of all sales or specific menu items that evening to benefit The BCRF. Estee Lauder will be offering gift bags for attendees along with the chance to win a gift basket via raffle. Each location will also be hosting a silent auction to benefit the foundation.

The BCRF was founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder as an independent, not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to funding innovative clinical and translational research. The Foundation supports scientists at top universities and academic medical centers worldwide conducting the most advanced and promising breast cancer research that will lead to prevention and a cure in our lifetime. A minimum of 85 cents of each dollar donated to the Foundation goes directly to breast cancer research and awareness programs. For the seventh consecutive year, BCRF received Charity Navigator’s highest rating, four stars, thus outperforming over 99% of the evaluated charities, while the American Institute of Philanthropy has awarded BCRF its highest possible rating of A+. BCRF is the only breast cancer organization in the U.S. to receive these accolades.

In addition, September 20th – 26th, all 4 locations will be participating in Share Our Strength's® Great American Dine Out®. That week, $1 of every Big Night Out for Two purchased will be donated to the cause which aims to eradicate childhood hunger in America. The Big Night Out is the Melting Pot’s signature 4 course dining experience which includes cheese fondue, salad, fondue-style entrees and chocolate fondue.

Share Our Strength® is the leading national organization working to make sure no kid in America grows up hungry. We weave together a net of community groups, activists and food programs to catch children at risk of hunger and ensure they have nutritious food where they live, learn and play. We work with the culinary industry to create engaging, pioneering programs like Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation®, the nation’s premier culinary benefit; Share Our Strength’s Great American Bake Sale®, a national grassroots effort; Share Our Strength’s A Tasteful Pursuit®, a touring dinner series; Share Our Strength’s Great American Dine Out ®, a week-long program involving thousands of restaurants nationwide; and Share Our Strength’s Operation Frontline®, a cooking-based nutrition education program.

The Melting Pot restaurants have a strong foundation in helping charitable organizations. In addition to a longstanding corporate affiliation with The St. Jude Children’s hospital, local Melting Pots have hosted events for organizations such as Team Hoyt, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Multiple Sclerosis Society, the ALS Association, Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, and Pride for Youth. If any organization is interested in organizing a similar event, please contact Kirsten Fischer at meltingpotmarketing@verizon.net.

Two years ago, I wrote a short series of posts listing my personal recommendations for food/wine places in various cities and towns. The lists provided my favorite wine stores, restaurants, bakeries, food markets and other similar establishments. They were intended to be quick reference guides. But, the lists were incomplete, and did not cover all of the cities and towns I have visited.

In addition, with the passage of time, some of those lists now require revision, such as the omission of places that no longer exist or the addition of new places. So, over the next couple months, I will be working to update these lists. Plus, I will add additional cities and towns that I did not previously lists.

Below, you will find the list of cities and towns that I have already covered, as well as the date of the latest revision, if any. Please note that these lists provide only brief data on each place and you can easily search my blog for more extensive reviews of each place. This list of cities and towns will grow so please return here frequently to check for any additions.

Acton (6/16/09)
Andover (6/16/09)
Arlington (6/14/09)
Bedford (6/14/09)
Belmont (6/16/09)
Beverly (6/14/09)
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The Melting Pot is offering a special 4 Course Mother's Day Menu on Sunday, May 10th, from 11:30am-8pm.

Mother's Day Menus:

First Course: Cheese Fondue
(Choice of Cheddar or Spinach/Artichoke)

Second Course: Salad
(Choice of Strawberry Hearts, House or Caesar)

Third Course: Entrée (Choose One)
(Includes cheese fondue, salad and chocolate fondue)

The Mother of All Entrees (Lobster Tail, Filet Mignon Florentine, Limoncello Balsamic Sirloin, Shrimp Diablo, Sun-dried Tomato Chicken, Orange Fennel Pork Tenderloin, Porcini & Portabello Sacchetti and Fresh Vegetable Medley)-- $48 per person

The Mamma Mia (Filet Mignon Florentine, Limoncello Balsamic Sirloin, Shrimp Diablo, Sun-dried Tomato Chicken, Orange Fennel Pork Tenderloin,Porcini & Portabello Sacchetti and Fresh Vegetable Medley)--$39 per Person

Better Eat Your Veggies (Fresh Vegetables, Tofu, Artichoke Hearts, Portobello Mushrooms, Spinach & Artichoke Raviolis)--$39 per person

Fourth Course: Chocolate Fondue
(Choice of Milk Chocolate Swirled with Chambord or Flaming Turtle)

Children's Options
--The Big Dipper (ages 13 to 18): Cheese Fondue, an Entrée of Chicken Breast, Teriyaki Sirloin, Spinach & Artichoke Raviolis, Shrimp, Fresh Vegetable Medley, and Chocolate Fondue
$29 per Person
--The Little Dipper (under age 13): An Entrée of Chicken Breast, Teriyaki Sirloin, Spinach/Artichoke Raviolis, Shrimp, Fresh Vegetable Medley
$15 per Person

Featured Mother's Day Cocktails
--Spring Time Kiss (Maschio Brut Prosecco with an edible flower and delicious raspberry flavored syrup)
--Passion Bellini (Maschio Brut Prosecco with the exotic flavors of X-Rated Fusion Liqueur and Monin Pomegranate)
--Hawaiian Fizz (Maschio Brut Prosecco with a hint of strawberry
--Momosa (A traditional favorite blend of Orange Juice with Maschio Brut Prosecco)

Add a Little Something Special
Include flowers on the table
Single Rose - $20, Three Roses - $30, Six Roses - $40
or
Our Dip into Something Different Cookbook. A great present for Mom - specially priced at $24 if ordered at the time of reservation.

Tax (5%) and minimum gratuity (20%) will be added to all bills. Coupons, promotional offers and Restaurant.com certificates are not available for use on Mother's Day.

The Melting Pot
213 Burlington Rd. (Rt.62)
Bedford, MA
Phone: 781-791-0529

The Melting Pot in Bedford will be open from 12 pm – 8 pm on Easter Sunday. Join them for brunch or an evening Sunday supper. Guests dining before 4:15 pm. can experience our Brunch & Bellinis feature menu. Our regular a la carte menu will also be offered all day.

Easter Brunch & Bellinis Feature Menu ($40 per person)
First Course: Cheese Fondue (Select any of our savory cheese fondues)

Second Course: Salad (Choice of a Caprese, Caesar or California Salad)

Third Course: Entrée (Includes Filet Mignon Florentine, Limoncello Balsamic Sirloin, Shrimp Diablo, Sun-dried Tomato Chicken, Porcini & Portobello Sacchetti and Fresh Vegetables)

Fourth Course: Chocolate Fondue (Choice of any of our decadent chocolate fondues.)

Choose one of the following Bellinis (included in price):
--Spring Time Kiss: Maschio Brut Prosecco with an edible flower and delicious raspberry flavored syrup.
--Passion Bellini: Maschio Brut Prosecco with the exotic flavors of X-Rated Fusion Liqueur and Monin Pomegranate.
--Hawaiian Fizz: Maschio Brut Prosecco with a hint of strawberry.

Teen Menu - $29 per person
Cheese Fondue, Entrée, Chocolate Fondue and Glass of Sparkling Cider

Child's Plate (under 12) - $10 per child
Teriyaki Sirloin, Chicken, Shrimp and Cheese Ravioli

Reservations Required so call to make your plans.

The Melting Pot
213 Burlington Rd. (Rt.62)
Bedford, MA
Phone: 781-791-0529

The Melting Pot has a couple of upcoming events which might be of interest to you.

First, they are having a special St. Patrick's Day Fondue Dinner on March 17. For only $35 per person, you will get a four course meal.

--Emerald Isle Cheese Fondue: Swiss cheese blended with emerald green spinach and artichoke hearts served with bread, green apples and vegetables.
--The Greens: Your choice of our any of their salads.
--Fields & Sea Entrée: Beef Tenderloin, White Shrimp, Teriyaki-Marinated Sirloin, Breast of Chicken, and Ahi Tuna served with seasonal vegetables and dipping sauces, cooked in Court Bouillon
--Bailey’s Irish Cream Dream Chocolate Fondue Dessert: A pot of Milk chocolate swirled with Bailey’s or White Chocolate and Green Crème de Menthe, served with fruit and cakes for dipping.

Featured Drink (not included in price) is the Lucky Irishman, an intriguing concoction of Guinness and Champagne.

Second, they will be holding a special Italian wine dinner, A Little Taste of Italy, on March 24 & 25. For only $35 per person, you get a three course meal and a wine flight.

--Quattro Formaggio Cheese Fondue: Fontina, Grùyere, and Gran Queso cheeses blended with roasted garlic, basil and tomato pestos and Fresh Mozzarella Perlini.
--Entree of Porterhouse Florentine, Shrimp Diablo, and Sun-dried Tomato Chicken. Includes Court Bouillon and Bourguignonne cooking styles.
---Milk Chocolate Tiramisu Fondue.
The wine flight includes Mezza Corona Pinot Grigio, Banfi Chianti Classico Riserva, and Maschio Prosecco Brut.

Reservations Required so call to make your plans.

The Melting Pot
213 Burlington Rd. (Rt.62)
Bedford, MA
Phone: 781-791-0529

The Melting Pot is also doing something about the fact that Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday, and is likely to be an extremely busy night. This year, they are offering their special Valentine's menu from Friday, February 13 to Sunday, February 15.

This special 5 course menu is only $60 per person, and it includes:

First Course:
--Champagne Swiss Cheese Fondue
or
--Boston Lager Cheddar Cheese Fondue

Second Course:
--House Salad
or
--Strawberry Hearts Salad

Third Course:
--Strawberry Sorbet
or
--Lemon Sorbet

Fourth Course:
---Cupid's Delight: Lobster Tail, Filet Mignon, Cedar Plank Salmon, Memphis Barbecue Pork Tenderloin, Key West Shrimp, Honey Dijon Chicken, Spinach Artichoke Ravioli
or
--Valentine's Feast: Filet Mignon Medallions, Cedar Plank Salmon, Memphis Barbecue Pork Tenderloin, Key West Shrimp, Honey Dijon Chicken, Spinach Artichoke Ravioli

Fifth Course:
--Pure white or milk chocolate fondue swirled with Chambord
or
--Chocolate S'Mores Fondue: Milk or dark chocolate with marshmallow cream, flambéed & garnished with crushed graham crackers.

Vegetarian Entrée Option: $50 per Person

1/2 Bottle of Champagne & Chocolate Fondue (After 10pm) - $45 per Couple

Additional Flower & Champagne Packages
1 Rose - $15
3 Roses - $25
6 Roses - $40
1/2 Bottle of Champagne & 1 Rose - $40

The Melting Pot
213 Burlington Rd. (Rt.62)
Bedford, MA
Phone: 781-791-0529

Are you looking for a place to celebrate New Year's Eve? Or maybe you just want an early dinner? One choice I would recommend would be The Melting Pot. I ate dinner there last year on New Year's Eve and had an excellent time. Their menu this year is similar so dinner should be good.

A four course dinner, with a Champagne Toast, costs $75 per person (plus tax and 20% gratuity). There are also Options for Children ($40 pp + tax & gratuity) and Vegetarians ($55 pp + tax & gratuity).

First Course: Appetizer
Colossal Shrimp Cocktail: Served with our signaturespicy cocktail sauce;
OR
Bruschetta: An Italian relish of diced tomatoes,balsamic vinegar, basil and garlic;served on toasted bread andsprinkled with Parmesan.

Second Course: Cheese Fondue
Champagne Swiss Cheese Fondue: Emmenthaler and Gruyère cheeses combined in a champagne base, festively blended with roasted garlic,nutmeg and lemon;
OR
Garlic & Herb Cheddar Cheese Fondue: Cheddar cheese blended in a beer base with garlic, our unique garlic and wine seasoning and green goddess sauce.

Third Course: Salad
Caesar Salad: Crisp Romaine, Caesar dressing,Parmesan croutons and a touch of Parmesan-encrusted pine nuts.
OR
Cobb Salad: Crisp Romaine and Iceberg, aged Cheddar cheese, tomatoes, bacon and sliced egg with Peppercorn Ranch Dressing topped with chives and croutons.

Fourth Course: Entrée
Lobster Tail, Filet Mignon Medallion, Duck, Teriyaki Sirloin, Honey Dijon Chicken and Potstickers. Accompanied by seasonal vegetables and our unique selection of dipping sauces.

Fifth Course: Chocolate Fondue
Bananas Foster Chocolate Fondue: Bananas swirled with your choice of white, milk or dark chocolate then blended with cinnamon, banana liqueur and spiced rum.
OR
Tiramisu Chocolate Fondue: Your choice of dark or milk chocolate with a spiced rum, mascarpone cheese and coffee flavored swirl. Flambéed tableside.

The Melting Pot
213 Burlington Rd. (Rt.62)
Bedford, MA
Phone: 781-791-0529

You can find some excellent value wines in Argentina and Chile, both whites and reds, including wines with less common grapes such as Carmenere and Torrontes. I recently had a delicious opportunity to attend a wine dinner with all South American wines. The food also had a South American flair. Overall, this was a very good dining experience, as usual for this restaurant.

The Melting Pot hosted this four-course dinner paired with four wines, and it only cost $48 per person, which I think was an excellent value. We sat in the more intimate Lover's Lane section, a perfect place for a date or romantic evening.

Our first course was the Zesty Aztec Cheese Fondue (a zesty cheddar cheese blended with beer, horseradish, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, bacon and scallions). I really like that the server creates the fondue in front of you, and will omit any ingredient that you dislike, or add a bit more of something you enjoy. For example, I love bacon so my server added a bit more bacon to the fondue. I enjoyed the taste of this cheese fondue, especially on slices of green apple. The crisp, cool apple just goes so well with the hot and spicy cheese. I think the apple actually goes well with all of their different cheese fondues.

This fondue was paired with a Terrazas Torrontes Reserva from Argentina. Now, I have not really been a fan of the Torrontes grape, often finding it too bland or with funky flavors that turned me off. But this wine pleasantly surprised me. This wine has seen so oak and its fruit flavors showed quite well. I detected some peach and melon flavors, with a bit of a floral nose. It was a crisp wine with a moderate finish, and was quite a pleasant drink. It stood up well to the fondue and this is a wine I would drink again, and do recommend it.

For our second course, we had the Ranchero Cobb Salad (Romaine Lettuce, tomatoes, chives and sliced egg served with croutons and peppercorn ranch dressing and sprinkled with aged cheddar cheese). A good salad with fresh ingredients and a nice mix of textures and flavors.

Our next wine was the Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc from Chile. It is made from 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Semillon. Another very good wine with fine citrus flavors, some minerality and a few floral notes. Very crisp, light and pure. Only a hint of grassiness and it reminded me more of French than New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs.

Our main course, the South of the Border Entrée, was a large platter of Filet Mignon, Tequila Citrus Shrimp, Peppered Duck, ‘Brazilian’ BBQ Pork, Sirloin Steak, and Picante Chicken. It was cooked with the Mojo style and accompanied with potatoes, mushrooms and broccoli. There were also eight different sauces for dipping. All of the meats were quite delicious and we have fun trying all the different sauces, seeing which ones best went with the various meats. The sweet apple bourbon butter went well with the pork, and the beef was tasty with the gorgonzola port. A number of the meats were spicy, yet not too hot. I love getting such a wide variety of different meats, which is why I always get this type of entrees when I dine here. Though you could always get just chicken or beef, why not go for the smorgasbord?

We received two wines for the entree, a Casa Lapostolle Merlot from Chile and the Bodega Luigi Bosca LaLinda Malbec from Argentina. I did not care for the Merlot though my wife enjoyed it. The Malbec though impressed me, with lush black fruit flavors and black pepper spice. It paired well with many of the various meats, though I could have drank it on its own.

Though I was fairly full from the rest of the meal, I still was able to work my way through dessert, Bananas Foster Chocolate Fondue (white chocolate blended with rum, Dulce de Leche, cinnamon and bananas). Who can refuse a chocolate fondue? Fresh fruit, marshmallows, pound cake, brownie, cheesecake, and more for dipping into the hot, gooey concoction. This is the perfect ending to a delicious dinner. And I am sure it would help two people on a date grow closer, putting them into such a pleasurable mood. Or it is a way to make a horde of children very happy.

Service was excellent, as usual. I have long been a fan of The Melting Pot and this dinner was no exception. I continue to recommend this restaurant, for families, couples and everyone. I have plenty of friends and family who have enjoyed this restaurant as well. So why not take a chance and make reservations. Tell them the Passionate Foodie recommended it.

The Melting Pot
213 Burlington Rd.
Bedford , MA
Phone: 781-791-0529

You may be too old to go trick or treating on Halloween but that does not mean you can't get a special sweet treat. If you stop by the Bedford location of the The Melting Pot on Halloween, they have something delicious for you. They are giving away a free chocolate fondue with each food and beverage purchase of $80 or more.

Plus, any and all guests that arrive in a costume will be entered to win one of several special prize such as $50 gift certificates for the adults and a chocolate fondue party for six for the kids.

So why not get dressed up and go out to enjoy some fondue, including a sweet chocolate fondue. I recommend that you make reservations as soon as possible as it is a popular restaurant and fills up fast.

The Melting Pot
213 Burlington Rd.
Bedford , MA
Phone: 781-791-0529

The Melting Pot is hosting Dip n’ Sip, a South American Wine Dinner on Tuesday, November 11th. There will be a four-course dinner paired with select South American wines.

The menu includes:

First Course: Zesty Aztec Cheese Fondue (Zesty Cheddar Cheese Blended with Horseradish, Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, Bacon and Scallions)
Paired with a Terrazas Torrontes Reserva (Argentina)

Second Course: Ranchero Cobb Salad (Romaine Lettuce, Tomatoes, Chives and Sliced Egg Served with Croutons and Peppercorn Ranch Dressing and Sprinkled with Aged Cheddar Cheese)
Paired with a Casa Lapostolle Sauvignon Blanc (Chile)

Third Course: South of the Border Entrée (Filet Mignon, Tequila Citrus Shrimp, Peppered Duck, ‘Brazilian’ BBQ Pork, Sirloin Steak, Picante Chicken, Fresh vegetables and Mojo Cooking Style)
Paired with a Casa Lapostolle Merlot (Chile) and Bodega Luigi Bosca LaLinda Malbec (Argentina)

Fourth Course: Bananas Foster Chocolate Fondue (White Chocolate Blended with Rum, Dulce de Leche, Cinnamon and Bananas.)

The cost is only $48 per person (plus tax and 18% gratuity) and Reservations are required so please call. I think this is an excellent price for all of the food and wine you get. Maybe I will see you there.

The Melting Pot
213 Burlington Rd.
Bedford , MA
Phone: 781-791-0529

Mother's Day is certainly one of the busiest restaurant days all year. One recommended option is The Melting Pot.

From 11:30am-8pm, the Melting Pot has three fixed menu (four course) options. You get a cheese fondue, salad, entree and chocolate fondue. You also get soda, coffee and tea. And each Mom can have a glass of sparkling cider or a "Momosa."

You get a choice from six different cheese fondues, including the featured Caribbean Cheese Fondue. You get a choice from five different salads including the featured Tropical Salad. Your first entree choice is the Mother of All Entrees ($49 per person), which includes Lobster Tail, Filet Mignon Medallion, Ahi Tuna, Butternut Squash Ravioli, Shrimp and Vanilla Rum Chicken. The second entree is Mamma Mia ($38 per person) and includes Filet Mignon Medallions, Vanilla Rum Chicken, Fresh Salmon, Shrimp and Jerk-Seasoned Sirloin. Finally, you get a choice from nine different chocolate fondues. There is a special children's plate as well.

After 8pm, you can get one of their chocolate fondues with a glass of wine for each guest, or a 1/2 bottle of Champagne for $25.

Though I won't be taking my mom there for Mother's Day, I am dining there this week for her birthday.

The Melting Pot
213 Burlington Rd.
Bedford , MA
Phone: 781-791-0529