Myers + Chang

I've wanted to go Myers + Chang for what seems like forever.  Being a big fan of Flour, Joanne Chang's string of awesome bakeries, I couldn't wait to visit the Asian restaurant that she started with her husband, Christopher Myers.  However, something always seemed to come up or food that was closer to my apartment beckoned, so I kept putting it off and putting it off.  Until a few weekends ago, that is, when I finally got my butt there with E, in a belated birthday dim sum brunch celebration.  And let me tell you, I am so sorry that I waited so long, because it was the most delicious, satisfying meal that I've had in a long time.  But before I really start gushing about the food, let me show you around the place.

The interior is small but doesn't feel confining even when it's packed, which is probably due to the wall of windows at the front.  You can see the chefs at work preparing the food, and the clatter of pots and pans and the hissing of hot oil only add to the fun, frenetic atmosphere.  There's an artsy, cool diner vibe about the place, which sets it apart from other Asian restaurants in the area.

 The Asian references in the decor aren't completely gone though, and the blend of Eastern motifs with the diner feel makes for a truly unique setting.

But anyway, let's get to the good stuff.  E and I of course started off with some brunchy booze.  I went for the Shanghai Sangria (mango, blood orange, sake, and red wine) and she chose the Lotus blossom (St. Germain, soda, and bubbly).

Both were rather good, but I have to say that I preferred the Lotus Blossom.  Bright, crisp, and refreshing.  Just the thing to nurse you back to life after a rough Saturday night.  While choosing the cocktails had been pretty easy, narrowing down the options on the menu, which features interesting spins on Chinese, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, and Thai specialties, was more of a challenge since everything sounded so good.  After much contemplation, we started off with the braised pork belly bao.

Actually, this choice was a no-brainer for me.  They had me at "pork belly" and I think that I made a convert out of E as well.  It was just dripping with juicy flavor. 

I could have ordered about seven more but I knew that there were other goodies to get to.  Next up:  dan dan noodles with a spicy peanut sauce....

fresh spring rolls....

and fried egg banh mi with sweet soy glazed bacon.

 

This one was quite messy to eat but it was totally worth it.  

At this point, we decided that we had room for one more dish, so we chose the lemony shrimp pot-sticker style dumplings.

After polishing these off, we both agreed that, although we were stuffed, we still could still manage dessert (as usual) so we ended with the frozen vanilla bean parfait with fresh orange granita.

 

This was a happy mistake.  We were a bit unclear with our waiter and meant to order a different dessert but this was what we got.  Fortunately, it turned out to be wonderfully light and zingy and we weren't at all sorry.  A perfectly refreshing palate cleanser to end the meal.  

If you want to hit up Myers + Chang, I'd recommend making a reservation, because the place is popular and it fills up fast.  And for good reason too.  This was probably the best Asian food that I've had.  Everything tastes so fresh and the combinations are interesting, and there isn't any of the weird aftertaste or feelings in your stomach (indigestion? guilt?) that usually accompany Chinese food.  I'm already adding this to the list of Boston places that I'll have to hit when I'm back in town for a visit after my move to New York.  Maybe I'll see you there?

 

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Foodie Friday

 Avocado toast:  a hearty and healthy breakfast option

Grilled cheese with truffle honey, herb fries, and the margherita flatbread at the W Lounge

Lemon raspberry sorbet from J.P. Licks

Happy Weekend!

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Anthro Birthday Bash

During the last week of March, the Anthropologie store on Newbury Street very nicely decided to throw me a birthday party.

Okay.....so it wasn't just for me, it was for all of its loyalty club members who had a birthday in March, but it made me feel special all the same.  The invitation said to bring a bff, so I grabbed GK and we headed into Boston after work.  When we arrived, we were greeted by cheerful employees and offered a choice of sparkling water with lime or prosecco cocktails with Saint Germain, blueberries, lemon, and mint.  I'm sure you can guess which option we chose....

We wandered around the store's two floors for a bit, sipping our drinks and admiring all the whimsical displays of candles, clothes, and housewares.

Part of me would like to decorate my entire apartment with wares from Anthropologie......everything is so interesting, eclectic, and colorful.  Nearly every piece looks like a unique treasure that you've gone to great lengths to find, and it's all arranged so artfully in the store.

GK and I agreed that the reed canoe filled with artsy cabinet and drawer knobs made us want to row away to the Island of Pretty Furniture and was officially our favorite display.

However, it only retained that place in our hearts until we chanced upon the slightly more exciting spread of birthday goodies.

We filled a plate with cupcakes and candies, grabbed another cocktail, and then found a quiet corner to munch, gab, and make ridiculous faces.

After a while we realized that it was nearing closing time, so we quickly did a bit of shopping and tried on some new looks.

It totally brings out our eyes, right?

We then said goodnight and left with stomachs full of sugar and eyes full of pretty things. 

Thanks Anthro!  You throw a delightful bday party!

If you'd like to be invited to your own birthday party and receive a birthday discount, sign up for the free Anthro loyalty program here.  In case you're wondering, Anthropologie did not sponsor this post.  My enthusiasm for the company is all my own.

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Foodie Friday

 Parma Pizza (prosciutto, mozzarella, arugula, lemon and anchovy vinaigrette) from Posto (yes, I know, I might as well just move in)

 Almond praline panna cotta, also from Posto

 Earl Grey tea from brunch at Garden at the Cellar

Huevos Rancheros from Garden at the Cellar

A healthy dinner that I made this week:  The Londoner's BLT Bowl

Happy Weekend!

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Breakfast in Brooklyn

So, after months of thinking about it, I've decided to take the leap and move to New York!  I'll still be in Boston until the end of April, but last weekend, I made a quick trip to the City in order to look for an apartment.  The search was less painful than I anticipated, and I am so thankful to have found a cute place in Astoria.  To celebrate before I had to catch the train back to Boston on Sunday, G and I headed out for breakfast in her Brooklyn neighborhood, to a new Italian cafe and gelateria, called L'Albero dei Gelati.  We arrived pretty early for a Sunday (around 9 am), which was nice because we had the place practically to ourselves, and we could see the employees preparing the pastries for the day ahead.

We perused the food menu over cappuccinos made with almond milk (if you haven't tried this, do it!  It's gives the coffee a gloriously smooth, nutty flavor) and admired the rustic, chic interior.  We could almost imagine that we were really in Italy.

Deciding on the food was tough, but G went for the yogurt with fresh fruit.

While I chose the Frittata with Mushroom and Smoked Gouda, which was served with focaccia, brie, fruit and greens.

L'Albero dei Gelati prides itself on using the freshest natural ingredients, sourced from local small artisan producers and farmers who practice sustainable agriculture.  While I greatly respect this mission from an ethical point of view, it also made a difference in the taste of the food, as everything had a deliciously fresh flavor.  This is food that you can feel good about eating and immensely enjoy at the same time.

On the way out, I scoped out the pastry counter and the meats and cheeses, but although everything looked absolutely divine, I was stuffed.

I will definitely go back, though, after I make my move.  The promise of warm fresh pastries, oodles of cheese, and creamy gelato will have to hold me over until then.

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