Food Trek: Cambridge, MA

I'll be taking a short break from Philly, but before I leave, I have some serious East Coast eating to do.  First up is Cambridge, Massachusetts.

I never thought a garage-like place in the middle of a residential area would
serve as a destination lunch, but if you like lobster rolls, this place is a must.

Those who know me well, know that it takes a lot of convincing for me to get a sandwich.  What can I say?  I am a historically picky eater and you can never tell what's hiding beneath the bread! However, if there is a type of sandwich I gravitate towards, it's one that has a deliciously moist and tasty filling with no veggies (e.g., pulled pork).  So how was Alive & Kicking's version?  I generally hesitate to use terms like mind-blowing because it's so difficult to live up to, but any place that makes me feel good about paying $16 for lunch is worth mentioning.  Is it a "one and done" kind of place?  Maybe.  Do I want to research this immediately? Yes.

Not a lobster roll, but a lobster sandwich.
Better bread and more lobster.

These beautiful Dogwood blooms decorated so many streets (Thanks Susan!)

Near Harvard Square lies one of the few locations of L.A. Burdick Chocolate, and after learning about their extensive hot chocolate selection, we had no excuse but to try it out.  They had two single-source hot chocolates available, and the tasting notes for the Grenada read like a food-themed Mad lib: "A complex flavor with hints of coffee, banana, and nutmeg, earthy with a fruity cocoa flavor, high cocoa acidity, and a masculine character."  If you are a dark chocolate lover, go for a large cup on a cool night.  Just watch out for the gauntlet of truffles and chocolate bars right at the entrance.  Head to the back for the good stuff and the nicer employees.

It's a good night when your palate cleanser
 is a piece of refreshing chocolate lemon cake.

Flour Bakery is a great local Boston chain of bakeries started by Joanne Chang, who happened to work for the same consulting firm I did before venturing on a decorated pastry career.  Every time we are in town we stop for a variety of treats at this favorite place, and this time I decided I finally needed to try Boston Cream Pie.  I like the taste and the construction, but the whole time I wanted something crunchy to cut through all the fluffiness.  Chef Chang is known for her sticky buns, and the cookies and pastries are always a hit.  I have received her cookbook as a gift and I highly recommend it! (Thanks Meghan!)

RendezVous was a hidden gem in Central Square.  It was one of those dinners with good mojo:  Good service, varied and creative menu, and delicious food.  Not to forget that Sean's mom made my day (week?) by fulfilling the dream I always have at the end of a meal a good restaurant: ordering all the desserts.

Scrumptious Bluefish

Cherry crostata with caramel ice cream.

View from Cambridge to Boston's Back Bay.

At this point, I don't think I need to explain why I felt the need to run around the Charles River after the last few days.  While on my run, I passed by Craigie on Main which was the site of one of the most memorable brunches I've ever been to.  This restaurant, like the magnificent contemporary middle eastern Oleana (also in Cambridge), provided such extraordinary food in dimly lit dining areas (hence no mouthwatering pictures).  So if you are ever in the area, please find reasons to go.

Formaggio Kitchen is so much more than cheese.

Last, but definitely not least, Formaggio Kitchen is my heaven.  Don't get me wrong, I love sitting back in a restaurant and eating great food, but actively exploring this store is like a book worm discovering an old library.  Every nook is filled with carefully selected flours, fresh produce, candies, honeys, jam, and the list goes on.  I think I could spend hours here, and it's really not very large in area.  The original location is slightly off the beaten path in near Harvard Square.  Don't miss the cheese counter and the chocolate selection.

With the summer exodus of students, I truly enjoyed the slower pace and quieter summer atmosphere of this Boston neighbor.  However, quieter does not translate to boring.  As a member of a major metropolitan area, Cambridge and its world-class universities demand high quality and on-trend food.  This gastronomical focus, combined with the history and tradition of the New England area, makes for a delicious and educational getaway to sample its iconic fare.

Next Stop? New York City......